A new article from Chronicle of Philanthropy explores how the 100 top-grossing nonprofits in the U.S. are adapting their fundraising strategies in a time of economic uncertainty and shifting donor behavior. Plan International USA, ranked No. 14 on the 2025 list of America’s Favorite Charities, is featured for its evolving approach to fundraising amid the decline of traditional child sponsorships and the loss of government funding.
Chief development officer Katherine Williford shares how Plan USA is expanding its focus on major gifts and unrestricted support, while still recognizing the value of its long-standing sponsorship model. “We’re meeting donors where they are,” she says, underscoring the organization’s pivot toward more flexible and sustainable funding models. The article illustrates how staying true to mission — while innovating behind the scenes — is essential for long-term resilience.
