Ask for more: Year-end 2025 is an opportunity

Written by: Diana Coyle, CICF Director of Nonprofit Services and Sustainability 

The year is winding down! As you look ahead to the next few weeks, consider that now is a key moment for Central Indiana nonprofits to double down on fundraising efforts. Although overall giving among affluent households has increased over the past decade, the number of those households making donations has declined. This means that fewer donors are shouldering the burden of philanthropy, and for nonprofits in our community, proactive outreach has never been more critical. 

In this shifting landscape, it is worthwhile for charities to ask for more—and to ask earlier. Donors are increasingly strategic about their giving, prioritizing organizations and campaigns where they believe they will see impact and accountability. Because fewer households are giving, organizations that position themselves as trusted, local, high-impact partners have a stronger chance of securing the gifts that will sustain their mission. 

Another factor to keep in mind is that many donors are favoring causes close to home. That means local organizations have an inherent advantage. You and other nonprofits serve this community, you understand its needs, and you are positioned to demonstrate direct outcomes. Messaging that reminds donors that their support will stay in Central Indiana and make a tangible difference for their neighbors can resonate deeply. 

Ultimately, this is a moment for courage and clarity in fundraising. It’s not just about asking for support—it’s about articulating your unique value and inviting donors into the story of your work so they feel that their investment has meaning.  

About the CICF Collaborative 

CICF Collaborative is a partnership of philanthropic organizations working together to strengthen communities across the region. Each entity within the CICF Collaborative (including the cornerstone entities, Central Indiana Community Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, IMPACT Central Indiana, the Indianapolis Foundation, and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana) brings deep knowledge, strong relationships, and its own individual, focused mission. The CICF Collaborative unites the entities by providing shared services, allowing the entities to operate more efficiently and effectively. By leveraging what we each do best, we’re able to better serve our communities and create more lasting impact, together. Learn more » 

About the Author 

Diana Coyle, director of nonprofit services and sustainability, is dedicated to helping Central Indiana nonprofits access the tools, knowledge, and relationships they need to thrive. In collaboration with her CICF colleagues, she supports CICF fundholders offering professional development, resources, and technical assistance that strengthen organizations and their leaders. With more than 15 years of experience in leadership and community engagement, she is committed to fostering connections that amplify the missions of nonprofits and create lasting impact across the region.