by Paul Yankey, Chief Advancement Officer, REI HQ
As we look back on recent months, I’m struck by the steadfastness of our supporters and the growing desire to make a difference. While we have certainly felt some of the same challenges seen across nonprofits, our focus remains on deepening relationships, engaging more meaningfully, and sharing our mission with renewed energy.
Trends in Giving and Grant Engagement
Giving trends over the past year have fluctuated, with broader economic shifts influencing philanthropic priorities. However, we continue to see that our community of supporters holds a passion for our mission. The dedication shown by our longstanding donors, as well as the growing interest from new partners, speaks to the values we share and the meaningful impact we strive to achieve together.
In recent years, a shift has been taking place in the donor landscape. While our older, longstanding supporters continue to be incredibly generous, they are understandably becoming less engaged in hands-on involvement. Meanwhile, younger generations, particularly Gen X and Millennials, are stepping into these roles, bringing a fresh enthusiasm and a desire for deeper, more authentic engagement.
This new generation of supporters highly values causes that make a direct, positive impact on people’s lives and are eager to be involved beyond financial contributions. They are motivated by transparency, purpose, and a sense of connection, which aligns well with our mission. Cultivating these relationships is an exciting opportunity, as we aim to inspire and grow this next wave of partners who will sustain our work into the future.
Update on the Medical Container for Laos
One of our recent successful initiatives has been the effort to send a fully funded medical container to Laos, providing critical supplies to three different hospitals. The funding for this project was made possible by the generosity of our donors, and we are thrilled to share that the preparations for delivery are well underway.
Currently, our site evaluator is on the ground in Laos, coordinating final preparations to ensure the smooth dispersal of these supplies. This support will go directly toward equipping medical facilities with much-needed resources, bringing impactful, life-saving assistance to communities in need. This effort is a testament to the collective impact of our community and the difference that generosity can make.
To expand our reach, we have engaged with several foundations offering grants. We’re also exploring new partnerships with organizations aligned with our mission. These efforts, though progressing a bit slower than we would like, hold promising potential to strengthen our programs. If you know of any foundations that share our passion or have connections and referrals that may help drive our mission forward, please feel free to send them directly my way at pyankey@reiinc.org.
Our Focus Areas and Community Engagement
This year, we’ve emphasized connecting on a more personal level with our community, creating authentic touchpoints and moments to share updates on our progress. In recent visits with Doug Erdmann, REI president and CEO, and other team members, we have engaged donors one-on-one to discuss our goals, vision, and areas where their support can make a lasting difference. These conversations have opened doors, not only for financial support but for insightful feedback that will guide us forward.
Gratitude and the Road Ahead
As we move toward the coming year, our efforts to increase engagement with both new and existing donors will continue to be a priority. I’m grateful for every individual who has supported us, understanding that their contributions empower us to fulfill our mission.
Thank you for standing by us, sharing your thoughts, and making our journey possible. We’re committed to evolving, learning, and creating a stronger foundation for lasting impact.
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