These days, it seems like every headline brings new grief: genocide, climate disasters, injustice, displacement, rising extremism. We’re all moving through some version of sorrow, anxiety, or disorientation—and it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that your donors are, too. In seasons like this, it can feel awkward—or even inappropriate—to keep asking for support.
by Annalisa Holcombe, Founder & Principal Consultant at Connection Collaborative The world feels heavy right now. War. Famine. Displacement. Rising authoritarianism. The economy feels precarious. Political discourse feels poisoned. It can be hard to look at the headlines — and even harder to know what to do with all that sorrow and fear. And yet,
by Annalisa Holcombe, Founder & Principal Consultant of Connection Collaborative Tell me about the moment the ground shifted under you. Was it loud, or was it quiet? Did anyone notice but you? What did you feel in that moment—panic? Clarity? Did something inside you whisper, This isn’t it—even if you weren’t ready to act on
When it comes to fundraising, there’s no one-size-fits-all model. The most successful fundraisers we know aren’t carbon copies of one another—they’ve figured out how to lead with their natural strengths. At Connection Collaborative, we call these your fundraising superpowers. Here are six of the most common types we see—along with ways to spot yours and
The Power of Relationships in Uncertain Times by Annalisa Holcombe, Connection Collaborative founder & principal consultant There’s a conversation I’ve been having a lot lately—with my clients, my colleagues, and even my own family. It starts with a question: What’s next? What’s next for nonprofits in a world where political and economic shifts could upend
When the funding landscape shifts, many nonprofits scramble to find new sources of support. But before you look outward, take a step back. Who already believes in your mission? Who in your network has the capacity to help? One of the most effective ways to strengthen your fundraising in uncertain times isn’t to start from
I’ve carried this belief for a long time: No one is coming to save you. It wasn’t something I was taught—it was something I had to learn. And while that realization was painful at first, over time, it became a source of resilience. When systems fail, when doors close, when the people or institutions we
In times of growth, disruption, or transformation, organizations face an essential question: What can we adapt, and what must remain unchanged to preserve who we are? Your organization’s identity is more than a logo or tagline—it’s a combination of given, chosen, and core identities that define your purpose, culture, and impact. Losing sight of this
Lately, I’ve been sitting with a deep discomfort about the state of things—our world, our country, our workplaces, even our conversations. I find myself wondering: When did we stop insisting on truth? On accountability? On showing up for ourselves and each other with intentionality? These questions are as much for me as for anyone else.
Creating a culture where truth is welcomed and understood requires deliberate actions from everyone—not just leaders. Truth, honesty, and accountability thrive only when psychological safety is prioritized. Whether you’re leading a team or contributing as a member, here’s how you can foster psychological safety and create a culture of truth. If You’re the Leader Leaders
