June 15, 2026
Apex Media Partners: Trust, adaptability drive nonprofit fundraising outlook for 2026
Agency says organizations that build lasting donor relationships and diversify support strategies will be positioned to weather growing financial pressures
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Apex Media Partners, a leader in faith-centered media distribution and strategy, said nonprofit organizations in 2026 face a more demanding fundraising climate and must focus on building durable donor trust rather than relying on short-term appeals.
A new forecast projects that 442 of the nation’s 1,700 private, nonprofit four-year colleges and universities could close or merge within the next decade, highlighting mounting financial pressure across the sector. More than 120 institutions are considered at the highest risk.
Against that backdrop, Apex Media Partners said nonprofits and ministries should prepare for slower-than-expected revenue growth and increased pressure to prove impact, transparency and long-term value. Industry forecasts for 2026 predict efficiency will outweigh expansion, regulatory scrutiny will intensify and alternative funding sources will become increasingly important.
The agency, which has partnered with nonprofits and universities for decades, said organizations that depend on broad fundraising appeals alone may struggle as donors seek more personalized engagement and measurable results.
Van Mylar, vice president of client strategy and revenue growth for Apex Media Partners, said fundraising strategies must evolve alongside audience behavior.
“If there’s one thing I cannot stress enough to ministries and nonprofits, it’s that audiences have moved, but most fundraising systems have not,” Mylar said. “For ministries and nonprofits, the parallel is not commercial, but it is strategic: the future belongs to organizations that can create and keep a donor relationship. In fundraising, the gift is not the finish line. It is the beginning of a measurable, trusted, ongoing relationship.”
According to Apex Media Partners, a “quality over quantity” approach to fundraising is gaining traction as nonprofits pursue stronger donor loyalty and more sustainable giving.
Mylar added, “Nonprofits that embrace transparency, communicate consistently and use data to understand supporter needs will be better equipped to navigate an increasingly selective philanthropic environment. Trust is no longer a secondary consideration. It is central to long-term fundraising success.”
The agency said organizations that diversify revenue streams, employ technology-enabled planning and prioritize authentic storytelling may be better positioned to adapt.
Carrie Hartunian, CEO of Apex Media Partners, said organizations must treat fundraising as an ongoing relationship rather than a series of isolated campaigns.
“The nonprofit organizations that emerge stronger from this period of uncertainty won’t necessarily be the largest or the loudest,” Hartunian said. “They’ll be the ones that earn trust every day through transparency, stewardship and a clear commitment to mission. Donors are looking for organizations that reflect their values and demonstrate impact. When trust becomes the foundation of fundraising, resilience follows.”
According to Apex Media Partners, nonprofits that prioritize relationships over transactions can inspire loyalty and shared mission while strengthening long-term financial resilience.
To learn more about Apex Media Partners’ solutions for nonprofits, visit www.apexmedia.com/fundraising.
Apex Media Partners, LLC is a full-service media and marketing agency with over 30 years of experience helping organizations — including ministries and universities — engage communities with purpose-driven resources. Now at the forefront of streaming media and digital outreach, Apex Media seeks out far-reaching strategies to connect audiences together. For more information, visit www.apexmedia.com.
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To interview a representative from Apex Media Partners, contact Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096, ext. 105, or Daniel Moyer, ext. 104.
