May 2026

Fundraising strategies for a time of resilient giving, uneven results

We’ve all likely gotten a little tired of using the word “unprecedented” to describe the ever-shifting world we’re operating in. But, here we are. Against the past year’s unprecedented shifts in federal funding and a bumpy economic environment, fundraising has been anything but simple. The encouraging news is that giving grew overall last year. The weighted median organization closed the year up about 4.3 percent year over year, powered by a strong fourth-quarter finish. Here are some fundraising strategies to help navigate the rest of the year ahead.

Community Issues Session May 28 focuses on arts & culture as an economic driver

Akron Community Foundation's next Community Issues Session, which takes place Thursday, May 28 at the Akron Art Museum, will explore how arts and culture have helped shape ideas and investments in Summit County and have fueled a dynamic economy across the region. The panel discussion features Harvey Nelson, Retired Co‑Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Main Street Muffins; Kimberly Beckett, Executive Director of Downtown Akron Partnership; Brian Lamoda‑Genet, General Manager of 750ml Wines; Rita Aggarwal, Executive Director of Proyecto RAICES; and Natalie Grieshammer‑Patrick, Executive Director of Summit Artspace. The event is free to attend but RSVP is required.

Youth development nonprofits: Focused programming and strategic, diversified fundraising

Are your messages out of date?

If your organization's donor communications feel a little "routine," you're not alone. For years, many nonprofits relied on familiar messaging—especially around tax benefits—to encourage giving. But in 2026, the landscape has changed, and with it, the way your donors are likely to respond. And the implication for nonprofits is straightforward but important—continuing to rely on the same messaging may not be enough to sustain donor engagement. But it's not too early to start rethinking your year-end campaign strategy. Indeed, it's essential.

Eight best practices for nonprofit board governance

Helpful tips for new users of our grant portal

We recommend adding at least two users under your organization in our new grant portal. Doing so helps ensure someone can access the portal at any given time. If your organization only has one staff member, consider asking your board president to register as a second user.

For overall safety, do not share your portal log-in and password with others within your organization. Sharing credentials can lead to several, serious security risks. We also recommend not creating your account using a generic email address (ex: grants@nameofyournonprofit.org), which leads to password sharing and will likely create inaccuracies in email communications from ACF. Staff who need access to grant records and information in your organization may easily register in the portal. You can create your user account by visiting this link and following the steps on the page or instructions are linked here.

Questions? Contact Kim Nott, Grants Administrator, at knott@akroncf.org or 330-436-5625, or Mariana Silva, Senior Community Investment Officer, at msilva@akroncf.org or 330-436-5612.

• May 28: Community Issues Session: Arts & Culture as an Economic Driver
• June 1: Civic affairs grant applications open
• June 1: Capital grant applications due
• June 5: The Gay Community Endowment Fund's 25th Anniversary Celebration exhALE
• June 23: The Bath Community Fund's Annual Meeting

Visit Our Nonprofit Resources Hub

The Nonprofit section of our website features helpful, free information and resources like training videos, past newsletters, articles and more and is updated regularly. Check back for the latest news and information.

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