Top Nonprofit Funding Models for Growth in 2025
Feb 15, 2024
In today’s world, where the effects of climate change ripple through every community and industry, nonprofits, charities, and social enterprises are stepping up as leaders in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development. But to truly move the needle—whether it’s on biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emissions, or poverty—organizations need more than passion. They need smart, sustainable funding models, airtight accounting, and financial services that actually work for them, not against them.
At Holdings, we’re flipping the script on what financial services can do for mission-driven organizations. We believe your hustle should be rewarded, not penalized with hidden fees and low returns. That’s why we offer zero-fee banking†, a flat 2% APY‡ on all eligible balances, and integrated accounting that saves you time and money—so you can focus on what matters most: your mission and your community.
Ready to see how your nonprofit, charity, or social enterprise can thrive—even in a world facing climate risk, economic uncertainty, and rapid policy change? Let’s dive in.
Why Funding Models Matter More Than Ever
Climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation aren’t just buzzwords—they’re urgent challenges shaping the future of philanthropy, public finance, and sustainable business. As the Paris Agreement, European Green Deal, and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set ambitious targets for net zero emissions and climate resilience, the pressure is on for organizations to show real, measurable impact.
But here’s the catch: traditional funding models—think one-off donations, grants, or charity auctions—often fall short. They’re unpredictable, hard to scale, and rarely reward innovation or efficiency. That’s where new approaches like climate bonds, impact investing, crowdfunding, and sustainable finance come in.
Explore more on nonprofit funding models:
The Metrics That Matter: Data-Driven Impact for a Sustainable Future
To unlock climate finance, attract investment, and drive meaningful change, organizations need to measure what matters. Here’s how you can level up your strategy:
Program Impact: Track how your work reduces greenhouse gas emissions, supports renewable energy adoption, or advances climate change adaptation. Tie your KPIs directly to your mission statement and SDGs.
Financial Efficiency: Monitor your expense ratio, revenue streams, and return on investment. Donors, grantmakers, and institutional investors are demanding transparency, efficiency, and strong governance.
Volunteer Vitality: Quantify volunteer hours, retention, and community engagement. Civic engagement is a powerful asset in building climate resilience and driving social innovation.
Brand Buzz: Use advertising, email marketing, and social media analytics to expand your reach. A strong digital presence attracts new supporters, sponsors, and donors.
Learn more about impact measurement:
Tools to Supercharge Your Mission
Donor Management: Platforms like Bloomerang and NeonCRM help you organize donor data, spot giving trends, and maximize tax deduction opportunities.
Financial Management: Holdings offers nonprofits high-yield banking (2% APY‡), fee-free money movement, and integrated accounting—so you maximize returns and save time on admin1. Our platform makes it easy to track every donation, grant, or sponsorship, and to report on your financial risk, climate risk, and overall sustainability.
Integrated Accounting: With Holdings, your accounting and banking are unified, making audits, compliance, and sustainability reporting a breeze. This is especially valuable for lean teams juggling program delivery, fundraising, and regulatory requirements.
Want to see how Holdings can simplify your finances?
Turning Risk Into Opportunity
The bond market, capital market, and insurance industries are all waking up to the reality of climate risk. Climate bonds, green bonds, and sustainable debt instruments are unlocking billions in funding for climate change mitigation, energy transition, and conservation projects. But to access these funds, organizations need strong governance, transparent accounting, and a clear strategy for managing risk and demonstrating impact.
Stay ahead of the curve:
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Sustainable Finance, Governance, and the Rise of Social Innovation
Sustainable finance isn’t just about green bonds or ESG investing. It’s about embedding environmental and social values into every aspect of your organization—from boardroom strategy to day-to-day operations. That means integrating climate risk assessment, biodiversity protection, and human rights into your governance, culture, and reporting.
Check out these resources on sustainability and governance:
The 80/20 Rule: The Simple Principle That Can Transform Your Business Finances
The Museum of Antiquated Finance: Why Modern Businesses Deserve Better Banking
The Secret Levers Behind High-Profit Businesses (That Most Owners Miss)
Building a Resilient Organization
Strategic Planning: Climate change is a force multiplier for risk—affecting everything from natural resources and supply chains to employee retention and health. Strategic planning, scenario analysis, and risk management are essential for building resilience.
Capacity Building: Invest in training, skill development, and technology adoption to future-proof your team. Whether it’s adopting artificial intelligence for data analysis, or using mobile apps for volunteer management, innovation is your ally.
Transparency & Reporting: Stakeholders—from the European Commission to local sponsors—expect robust sustainability reporting and transparency. Holdings makes it easy to track, audit, and share your progress, so you can build trust and unlock new funding sources.
Dive deeper into resilience and planning:
Fundraising in a Changing World: From Crowdfunding to Corporate Social Responsibility
Fundraising Platforms: Crowdfunding, direct mail fundraising, and text messaging campaigns are powerful tools for engagement and revenue growth. Holdings helps you track every donation, grant, or sponsorship—making it easy to demonstrate impact and secure future funding.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Companies are looking for nonprofit partners to advance their climate, sustainability, and social impact goals. Build relationships with sponsors, market makers, and investment managers to unlock new revenue streams and amplify your mission.
Philanthropy & Social Entrepreneurship: The rise of impact investing, social innovation, and the circular economy is blurring the lines between charity, business, and civic engagement. Whether you’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, a social enterprise, or a public benefit corporation, the opportunity to drive change—and attract funding—has never been greater.
Explore more fundraising strategies:
The Holdings Difference: Banking, Accounting, and Bookkeeping—All in One Place
Let’s face it: traditional banks and financial institutions weren’t built for the realities of today’s climate-driven, impact-focused world. They charge fees for everything, offer little support for sustainable business, and make it hard to access the financing you need to scale your impact.
At Holdings, we’re your financial partner—not just your bank. Here’s how we help you save, grow, and lead:
Zero Fees†: No more hidden charges eating into your budget. Every dollar you raise goes further.
Flat 2% APY‡: Earn more on every eligible balance, so your reserves work as hard as you do.
Integrated Accounting: Automate your reporting, simplify audits, and keep your books clean—no more manual headaches.
Full-Service Bookkeeping: From expense tracking to grant management, our experts have your back.
Proactive Funding: Get tailored loan offers and access to finance based on your real performance—not just your credit score.
FDIC Insurance up to $3M§: Sleep easy knowing your assets are protected.
Ready to see the Holdings advantage?
Real-World Impact: Stories from the Field
From cancer research and medical clinics to soup kitchens and conservation projects, Holdings customers are making a difference on the ground. They’re using our platform to:
Fund renewable energy and energy development projects
Support biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture
Advance education, health care, and poverty alleviation
Drive social innovation, advocacy, and policy change
See how others are leading the way:
Your Next Steps: Measure, Improve, and Tell Your Story
Success isn’t a one-time project—it’s an ongoing journey. Use these insights to power up your fundraising, optimize your programs, and craft stories that move your supporters. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of the bond market, launching a new crowdfunding campaign, or preparing your next audit, Holdings is here to help you every step of the way.
Get started today:
Stay Connected
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Disclosures
†Holdings is a financial technology company and is not a bank. Banking services are provided by i3 Bank, Member FDIC. The Holdings Visa Debit Card is issued by i3 Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used anywhere Visa cards are accepted. *No account or domestic transaction fees. Some foreign transaction fees may apply in limited circumstances. ‡Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is variable and subject to change after account opening. Rate is compounded monthly and credited monthly. §Deposits are insured up to $3 million through a combination of i3 Bank, Member FDIC, and additional program banks1.
This article is packed with internal links to help you explore everything from climate finance and sustainable business to accounting, fundraising, and beyond. Dive in, get inspired, and let’s build something great together.
†Holdings is a financial technology company and is not a bank. Banking services are provided by i3 Bank, Member FDIC. The Holdings Visa Debit Card is issued by i3 Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used anywhere Visa cards are accepted.
*No account or domestic transaction fees. Some foreign transaction fees may apply in limited circumstances.
‡Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is variable and subject to change after account opening. Rate is compounded monthly and credited monthly.
§Deposits are insured up to $3 million through a combination of i3 Bank, Member FDIC, and additional program banks.