TIP: say 'no thanks' to restricted gifts

Unicorns and Glitter aren't going to pay the rent

Here’s the truth: unrestricted dollars are the lifeblood of your organization. So why are we still bending over backward to promise donors restricted impact in exchange for their support?

Unrestricted donations allow nonprofits to pay staff, cover rent, update tech, pivot when crises hit, and seize new opportunities. In short, they allow us to function. But somewhere along the way, we trained donors to believe that programs are noble and payroll is overhead. That’s our mess to clean up.

If you want to build a sustainable organization—not just survive quarter to quarter—you need to start thinking, and talking about, unrestricted giving as a strategic investment, not a lesser one.

Here’s how:

Be bold: “Your unrestricted gift fuels everything we do—from the hotline to the housing program to the humans doing the work.”

Be honest: “Restricted gifts keep the lights on in one room. Unrestricted gifts power the whole building.”

Be proud: “Flexible funding lets us grow smarter, faster, and with integrity. It means your gift goes where it’s needed most—when it’s needed most.”

Restricted giving might make donors feel like they’re directing impact, but unrestricted giving is what allows that impact to exist.

Don’t apologize for asking for unrestricted support. Make the case. Build an engaged donor community that understands — and funds — what it really takes to lead.