The Tool Trunk

Private foundations are poised to play an even greater role in nonprofit sustainability. With government funding under strain and economic uncertainty persisting, many nonprofits are turning to foundations for critical support.

When it comes to annual reports, donor updates, and especially grant applications, many nonprofits find themselves caught in a numbers trap.

If you’ve noticed your funders asking fewer questions, offering longer grant periods, or giving more unrestricted support, you’re not imagining it. The landscape of philanthropy is shifting. In 2025, trust-based philanthropy is no longer just a buzzword—it’s an evolving movement reshaping the relationship between funders and grantees.