The Political Merry-Go-Round Has Picked Up Speed
If your fundraising strategy hasn't been giving you whiplash lately, you probably haven't been paying attention. 2024 has been serving political plot twists faster than a Netflix drama, and for those of us in the charity sector, each governmental pivot comes with its own set of fundraising implications.
From Trump's triumphant return to the White House (and subsequent market tumbles) to Keir Starmer's cost-saving crusade at home, the political landscape resembles less of a gentle tide and more of a tsunami. And guess who's trying to build sandcastles on the beach? That's right—it's us in the charity sector.
The Global Political Rollercoaster: Fasten Your Seatbelts
The first few months of 2025 have already delivered enough political drama to fill a decade. Germany's federal elections, Lukashenko's controversial re-coronation in Belarus, and most notably, Trump 2.0 taking center stage in America—each bringing its own flavor of uncertainty to global stability.
For fundraisers, these aren't just headlines to scroll past with your morning coffee. Trump's economic decisions have sent markets into tailspins, and his immediate freeze on international aid funding has left countless global charities scrambling to patch financial holes the size of Texas. When donors feel economic uncertainty, their generosity often takes a hit—right when your beneficiaries need it most.
Meanwhile, on This Side of the Pond...
As we approach the one-year anniversary of Labour's victory lap, Starmer's government has been under the microscope for its economic belt-tightening and its approach to foreign policy in an increasingly hostile global environment.
The good news? Labour's focus on social equity, sustainability, and pledges for cleaner British energy could spell opportunity for charities operating in these spaces. For fundraisers, this signals potential new funding streams and partnership opportunities—if you know where to look and how to position your cause.
However, let's not break out the champagne just yet. As any seasoned fundraiser knows, political promises and actual policy implementation often have a relationship status best described as "it's complicated." Plus, charities previously cozy with Conservative priorities may find themselves suddenly less fashionable in Whitehall corridors.
When Washington Sneezes, UK Charities Catch a Cold
If you thought Brexit red tape was fun, you're going to love how Trump's policies are already reverberating across the Atlantic. His aggressive stance on immigration and workplace practices has prompted alarming responses—high-profile businesses are backpedaling on EDI commitments and flexible working policies faster than you can say "corporate social responsibility."
For fundraisers, this creates a double bind. Corporate partnerships—often a cornerstone of sustainable fundraising—may become more volatile as businesses realign their values. Meanwhile, changing immigration policies can directly impact international charities' access and operations, particularly for aid agencies working in crisis zones.
Perhaps most concerning is the potential domino effect on institutional giving. Trump's freeze on international aid funding doesn't just affect American charities—it creates competition for the remaining global funding pots, putting pressure on UK funders who suddenly find themselves picking up America's tab.
Fundraising Through the Political Storm
For senior fundraisers, these political shifts aren't just interesting dinner party conversation—they're reshaping the very ground beneath your fundraising strategy. Here's what successful fundraising teams are doing to navigate the choppy waters:
Diversifying funding streams like never before. Government funding dependency is looking increasingly like putting all your eggs in a politically volatile basket. Smart fundraisers are doubling down on individual giving programs, major donor cultivation, and social enterprise models.
Scenario planning with brutal honesty. What happens to your fundraising targets if corporate giving drops 20%? How will you respond if government grants in your sector are cut? The most resilient fundraising teams have already run the numbers and have Plans B, C, and D ready to deploy.
Building reserves while the sun still shines. Organizations with healthy reserves have the luxury of time to adapt when political winds shift. If you're not already making the case to your board for investment in reserves, yesterday would have been a good time to start.
Getting politically savvy without getting political. Understanding the policy landscape doesn't mean abandoning your charity's political neutrality. It means connecting your cause to the current political narrative in ways that transcend party lines.
Future-proofing Your Fundraising Strategy
While none of us has a crystal ball (and if you do, please share your lottery predictions), there are practical steps every fundraising leader should take:
Assess your vulnerability to political shifts. Map your income streams against potential political scenarios. Which are most at risk? Where are your blind spots?
Strengthen existing relationships before hunting new ones. In uncertain times, it's your loyal supporters who will keep the lights on. Invest in donor stewardship like your organization depends on it—because it does.
Join forces with sector bodies. Individual charities have limited influence, but collective advocacy can help shape policies that affect the whole sector. Make sure your organization has a seat at the table.
Communicate transparently with stakeholders. Your staff, volunteers, and trustees need to understand both the challenges and your plan to navigate them. Bringing them along on the journey builds resilience and trust.
Watch the horizon, not just your feet. Assign someone on your team to monitor policy developments that could impact your fundraising—not just in the UK, but globally. The earlier you spot potential disruption, the more time you have to adapt.
The Only Constant Is Change (Plus Death and Taxes)
Political upheaval will continue to test our resolve and creativity as fundraisers. We can't predict every policy shift or populist pivot, but we can build organizations resilient enough to weather the storms.
The most successful fundraisers don't just survive political transitions—they find ways to thrive despite them. With diversified funding, thoughtful contingency planning, and sector-wide collaboration, you'll be prepared to answer whatever questions the political landscape throws at you next.
After all, fundraising has never been for the faint of heart. But then again, that's why you chose this profession—because making a difference was always going to be more interesting than an easy ride.
