Going Global to Give Local: A Smarter Strategy for U.S. Nonprofits

As most nonprofit leaders and fundraisers realize, fundraising isn't getting easier. There's a lot of stress about the loss or potential loss of government funds. Some major donors and institutional fundraisers are pulling back or at least reassessing their donations. Then there's economic uncertainty that adds more tension to the philanthropic space. So, where do nonprofits go? Here's a bold idea: Look out to the world and not just your community at home.

I’m not suggesting that you move into international program work. However, I suggest tapping into the estimated 9 million American expatriates — many of whom remain connected to their American communities due to family ties or long-standing relationships. Look, many challenges are keeping nonprofit leaders up at night. That means it's essential to think creatively about fundraising.

Why Global Giving Strengthens Local Work

Many Americans who live overseas are very philanthropic. That may be due to their values, but also due to double taxation, which is a particular situation for expats overseas. That said, many Americans who live overseas support their alma maters or other organizations that bring a bit of home to their lives overseas. That’s an opportunity for nonprofits to partner on special initiatives and aligned programmatic efforts.

Philanthropic expats often care about making an impact in their country of residence and in their communities back home. For instance, arts organizations have had informal or formal partnerships for years. Think of American clubs, American "friends of" groups or other expat groups worldwide. By creating partnerships with these organizations and possibly local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in key cities, U.S.-based nonprofits can reach millions more people.

As an example, consider a small youth development nonprofit in Florida. That organization may partner with an English literacy program for youth in France, with a large American expat population. Together, the organizations can exchange best practices, success stories and even co-launch dual fundraising campaigns. One ask would be for the French NGO to invite their American expat supporters to give, and your organization would do the same with local donors.

The Untapped Power of Americans Abroad

Americans living overseas often join clubs, societies or associations where they can find other English speakers and Americans. They do it to ease the transition into integrating into their new communities. That's why finding American clubs and groups overseas is a good out-of-the-box idea for American nonprofits to explore. Many expats are professionals, retirees and entrepreneurs who are very much about giving in tax-optimized ways.

There are several ways Americans can support causes that align with their minds and hearts back home through global donor-advised funds and foundations based in places like the United Kingdom or Switzerland. Several organizations exist to help internationals optimize their philanthropic giving — not just overseas, but also for American expats — back into the United States. If it sounds complex, not to worry — giving models already exist.

‘Friends of’ Groups Are Not Just for Museums Anymore

Historically, “friends of” groups have been very popular with universities and arts institutions, such as museums. For instance, American Friends of the Louvre has existed for a long time, as have university alumni groups, such as the Columbia Alumni Association. For years, these organizations have tapped into internationally minded Americans to support their institutions. But this is a model that isn’t reserved just for the elite. Any organization can have a global “friends of” group.

People who have moved from your community and now live in Dubai, London or Sydney can make tax-deductible gifts through global donor-advised funds to benefit your work in your community — and possibly their hometown. Tapping into expats is a win-win. You get to reach out to them where they are, and they get to continue staying connected with their home country while giving back to it through your nonprofit.

How to Create Donor Confidence in Your New Global Strategy

If you're looking for new ways to raise funds for your organization, here is a brief list of steps to tap into the American expat community.

1. Collaborate with American organizations. Reach out to universities and global nonprofits (e.g., the International Committee of the Red Cross, World Wildlife Fund) to explore joint program collaborations.
2. Get familiar with expat groups. Research groups dedicated to American expats and internationals. Then, explore a joint program with a couple of them, because, again, many groups are socially minded.
3. Audit your current donor list. Review your current donor list to discover any overseas donors. If you find any, reach out to them and discuss starting a new global “friends of” organization.
4. Talk to experts. There are organizations (e.g., immigration lawyers) that specialize in helping U.S. nonprofits set up international giving pathways. Partner with them to reach out to Americans abroad.
5. Create global funds. Get to know organizations in the global giving space to ensure Americans abroad have the proper vehicles, such as donor-advised funds, to optimize their donations to your U.S.-based nonprofit.
6. Test the waters. When you find alignment, start with small virtual events and webinars. Let people get to know your organization. Then, consider launching a fundraising campaign specifically targeted at American expats.
7. Create global events. Over time, consider creating fundraising events with a unique twist. Develop culture tours, service-learning experiences or retreats that allow expats to come home or local donors to go overseas through your partners.

One of the essential ways to tap into the generous marketing of American internationals is to do a bit of planning and homework. You want to make it as easy as possible for them so they have confidence in making a gift. By creating partnerships with organizations that handle the complicated tax and regulatory matters for donors, you take the guesswork out of giving.

By going global, it’s not at all about abandoning your core mission or roots. All it means is that you realize that philanthropy doesn’t stop at national borders. It also means creating fresh and new relationships (or renewing past ones) that will lead you to a new network that will be both local and international. Innovation means widening your lens and deepening your impact by going beyond local fundraising.

The preceding content was provided by a contributor unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within may not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of NonProfit PRO.