Newsletter - February 2025

Focus is celebrating its quinceañera!

When I launched Focus in 2010, my goal was to help nonprofits navigate fundraising challenges and turn their aspirations into realities. Like many women, I was balancing career and motherhood—our sons were 5 and 8 at the time. Despite the daunting stats on business failure rates, I took the leap. Thankfully, the net appeared.

Over the past 15 years, we've had the privilege of working with 54 organizations, from small nonprofits seeking donor engagement strategies to large NGOs pursuing campaigns and new opportunities. Our team of nine expert consultants has provided strategic guidance, research, grant writing, and fundraising support, helping them elevate their development efforts.

Collaboration has always been at the heart of Focus. As an extrovert, I’ve loved working alongside talented colleagues, and our consulting network has been essential to our success. Beyond client work, community engagement has always been a priority for me. From serving on the AFP DC board for nine years to my current role as Vice Chair of Spur Local, supporting the nonprofit sector has remained central to our mission and my professional life.

I know 2025 has much uncertainty in store, but I also know the nonprofit sector is very resilient. Organizations will continue to do vital work, and Focus will be here to help navigate challenges, find opportunities, and keep moving forward. No matter what lies ahead, we remain committed to supporting you and your mission.

Thank you for supporting me, our Focus team, and the incredible nonprofits we serve,

Nadine Gabai-Botero, MA, CFRE
President

Federal Funding Freeze: What You Need to Know

On Jan. 27, the administration announced a freeze on federal grants and contracts, leaving many organizations scrambling to address potential funding gaps. With government funding making up about 33% of nonprofit revenue, this freeze could have serious financial consequences.

While some grants may be reinstated after review, we’re advising our clients to plan for the worst and prepare to adapt—just as nonprofits did during the pandemic. Now is the time to explore alternative funding sources, strengthen donor relationships, and rethink financial strategies.

Read our latest blog for key steps nonprofits can take to navigate this uncertainty.

Client Spotlight

At Focus, we’re always thrilled when a client returns for more support—it’s a testament to the trust we’ve built and the impact we’ve made together.

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation provides much-needed aid for military and veteran caregivers and their families. We're excited to once again work closely with their development team as a grant writing and prospect research resource to support their fundraising efforts.

Whether you need fresh strategies, additional fundraising guidance, or a new approach to donor engagement, we’re here to help. Reach out—we’d love to start a conversation!

Resisting Through Action

As long as the U.S. nonprofit community is facing challenges in an increasingly hostile environment, we'll be here with recommendations and practical tips to help you navigate the impact of policy and economic changes. Together, we'll work through challenges with creativity and resilience, ensuring that important conversations continue without compromise.

Words matter. Language is a beautiful tool—it’s how we connect and engage with each other. While DEI restrictions are growing, our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is unwavering. Here are some recently banned words and the powerful alternatives you may want to consider using.

Have you found sites or other resources to maneuver around newly placed obstacles? We'd love to know what's working for you so please share them!

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