Panel: Riding the Waves of Change—Fundraising in 2025 and Beyond

Fundraising Strategy & Donor Management | 2025 |

 

Back to 2025 Raise On Demand

As the fundraising sector faces new challenges—from economic uncertainty to evolving donor expectations—nonprofits must adapt to stay ahead. This panel explores the current state of the industry, highlights emerging trends, and discusses how organizations can innovate to thrive in a rapidly shifting environment. Experts share insights on how to engage donors, improve fundraising strategies, and effectively harness technology to maximize impact. Whether you’re navigating budget constraints or trying to reach new donor segments, this discussion will provide the strategies you need to succeed in the new fundraising landscape.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand how current economic and societal trends are shaping donor behavior and fundraising expectations.
  • Explore innovative strategies for adapting fundraising efforts to meet evolving donor preferences.
  • Learn how to leverage technology to enhance donor engagement and streamline fundraising operations.

Speakers

A proven fundraising professional that is forward thinking, people driven, most of all results oriented. 20+ yrs of fundraising experience, making 5,000+ donor solicitations raising millions of dollars for non-profit organizations, such as St. Jude, Sigma Nu, Boy Scouts and Allegheny Health. As well, he’s served as an executive leader Pursuant-Ketchum, Virtuous and now Avid.

At Avid, Erik is committed to helping nonprofits grow global generosity. He believes that giving is about personal connections, not transactions. Generosity is driven by our passions and relationships – and givers want to feel like they are part of a movement bigger than themselves.

Tanya Frey, Founder and CEO of Terra Firma Consulting, collaborates with nonprofits to build strong teams through executive search and organizational development. With more than two decades of experience, she specializes in finding leaders who align with organizational values and visions, ensuring impactful hires.

At ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tanya launched the Midsouth Territory and led the country in experiential revenue and fundraising events. She also led ALSAC’s Transformation Office and worked alongside the Chief Legal Officer to build and scale the Legal Division.

An advocate for workplace equity, Tanya serves on several boards, including Nonprofit Quarterly and Slingshot Memphis, and was recognized as one of Memphis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. She is a sought-after speaker on leadership and nonprofit strategy. Tanya holds a J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law and a B.A. in Social Justice from Hendrix College. Based in Memphis, she and her husband keep up with their three teenage sons and two rescue dogs, while she works toward her goal of visiting every SEC football stadium—yes, even Texas and Oklahoma… eventually.

Cherian Koshy is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP), & AFP Master Trainer. He is the Vice President of Development at Merit America and the founder of the Nonprofit Operating System. He has raised over $100M for various nonprofits, holds advanced certifications in Behavioral Economics, and was a former successful debating coach. He is a sought-after trainer and speaker, and his thought leadership has been featured in several publications.

For 22 years Matt helped shaped CRMs in the for-profit sector before founding DonorDock to help fill the need for a Donor Management CRM built for small nonprofits. Matt holds a deep-seated passion for working with nonprofit organizations and believes strongly that technology should further enable their mission and drive more impact. He and his family reside in West Fargo, ND.

Frances G. Brooks, CFRE, is an education fundraiser and mental health advocate.

As the Executive Director, Development for Campus-Wide Initiatives at IU Indianapolis, she leads efforts to initiate and sustain philanthropic relationships for campus-wide initiatives, assisting prospective donors and alumni to fund scholarships and programming. On average, she has raised over $1 million a year since joining the IU Foundation team in 2021.

Fundraising since 2008, she has served in a myriad of professional roles in education, health marketing, and corporate social responsibility.

She received a BA Communications from Huntington University, and MA Organizational Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive and 2025 CFRE Ambassador. She serves the Association of Fundraising Professionals Indiana as co-VP Membership.