Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to attend The Giving Institute’s Summer Symposium—a convening of leaders from organizations that support the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors who gathered to share ideas, tackle big challenges, and inspire one another. Hosted in a spirit of collaboration and resilience, the event offered not only space for thought-provoking discussion but also practical strategies to help mission-driven organizations thrive in the face of ongoing economic, societal, and environmental disruptions.
From disaster response to cross-border collaboration, the sessions at this year’s Symposium underscored a collective theme: when nonprofits come together—with each other, with funders, and with trusted partners—they build the kind of strength and agility needed to meet today’s demands. Below are three key takeaways for nonprofit leaders navigating change and uncertainty:
1. Change management isn’t optional – it’s a leadership imperative
In the session Change Management in Today’s Environment, Sharon Tiknis of The Alford Group challenged nonprofit leaders to view disruption not as a threat, but as a moment to reimagine their operating models. Whether adapting to shifting donor expectations, implementing new technology, or reevaluating program delivery, organizations must embed change management practices into their culture.
The key insight? Change is constant—but how organizations respond is what defines resilience. Leaders need practical frameworks that empower teams, preserve mission alignment, and increase organizational capacity. And they can’t do it alone: investing in relationships with skilled partners—consultants, software providers, and board members—can amplify internal efforts and mitigate burnout during periods of transformation.
2. Collaboration is a new survival strategy
Sessions like How Generosity Responds to Natural and Man-Made Disaster and Cross-Border Philanthropy highlighted something we see every day: when nonprofits join forces—especially those rooted in local communities—they are more agile, more trusted, and more effective.
We heard from leaders like Lisa Cuestas of CASA Familiar and others who are working across city, state, and even national lines to address urgent issues like climate disasters, displacement, and food insecurity. The key takeaway? Strategic partnerships rooted in shared mission—not just shared funding—are enabling nonprofits to tackle complex problems and strengthen community trust.
And the data backs this up. According to Momentive Software’s 2025 Nonprofit Trends Report, 82% of nonprofit professionals say their organizations plan to maintain or increase collaboration with like-minded organizations this year, with nearly half planning to increase that effort.
3. AI holds great promise—but most nonprofits are just getting started
While artificial intelligence has captured headlines in nearly every industry, many nonprofits are still in the early phases of exploring how it fits into their operations. Inside conversations with attendees and peers, we heard a familiar refrain: “We know AI can help—but we’re not sure where to begin.”
According to the 2025 Nonprofit Trends Report, only 21% of nonprofits are currently using AI tools. Among those that are, usage is focused on relatively lightweight applications like content creation for emails, newsletters, and social posts. And perhaps most telling: over half of nonprofit boards have yet to discuss or develop policies around AI adoption—a critical governance gap that could delay meaningful innovation.
Despite this, there is genuine optimism. Of the nonprofits using AI, 74% use it at least once a week, and 40% say they plan to increase their investment in it this year. With the right guardrails and alignment to mission, AI has the potential to streamline operations, strengthen donor engagement, and unlock more time for the work that truly matters.
Looking ahead: Nonprofits need partners who are in it for the long haul
One resounding message that emerged throughout the Symposium—both in sessions and in conversations—is that nonprofits are actively seeking partners, not just providers. Technology companies that are in the space for a quick win aren’t going to cut it.
Nonprofits want to work with solution providers who understand the nuances of their missions, offer flexibility and innovation, and—most importantly—are committed to growing alongside them.
At Momentive Software, we’re proud of our decades-long commitment to mission-driven organizations. We’re not just building tools—we’re building lasting partnerships grounded in shared purpose, trust, and long-term impact.
