8: Rick Happy | Philanthropy During a Time of Crisis

Rick Happy, Principal and Managing Director of CCS Fundraising, sits down with Lindsay to share insights on philanthropy and relevant advice for every nonprofit around the globe.

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How to Keep Your Nonprofit Strong with Communication, Strategy, and Confidence

“In this time, it is critical to communicate constantly with your donors, your stakeholders, your friends... the people that you care about, and the people that care about you.” Share on X

Don’t Pause—Pivot

The initial shock of COVID-19 may have passed, but uncertainty still looms. What should nonprofits do now? Keep going.

If history has taught us anything, it’s this: organizations that stay active during a crisis are the ones that survive it. Fundraising must continue. Communication must stay open. Strategy must evolve.

Even as the world shifts and an economic downturn threatens, your supporters still care—and your mission still matters.

Expert Insight from Rick Happy

In this episode, Lindsay sits down with Rick Happy, Principal and Managing Director at CCS Fundraising, to talk about how nonprofits can weather difficult times through clear communication, strong strategy, and a steady voice.

Rick has been a mentor, colleague, and guiding force in Lindsay’s career. Under his leadership at CCS, Lindsay served as Vice President for nearly a decade, advising dozens of institutions in education, health care, religion, and the environment. Together, their work has helped raise over $1 billion through capital campaigns and strategic consulting.

Advice for Nonprofit Leaders Facing Financial Uncertainty

Rick brings a calming presence and practical advice to today’s conversation. Whether you’re managing a small community nonprofit or leading a global organization, his message is clear: Don’t retreat. Lean in.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why constant communication with donors is more important than ever
How to host meaningful virtual donor visits
Creative approaches to reserve fund campaigns
Tips on using phonations to keep relationships warm and sincere
The role of data in shaping confident decisions

Take Action Now—And Prepare for What’s Next

If your organization is asking, “How do we move forward?”, this episode offers the clarity and tools you need.

Listen for practical steps you can take today to strengthen your financial foundation, deepen donor trust, and prepare for whatever comes next.

Key Takeaways:

(02:22) – Some of Rick’s key takeaways from the CCS webinars on the COVID-19 national crisis.
(07:55) – How this situation compares to the economic recession in 2008 and to other national crises he’s seen as a philanthropic advisor.
(11:27) – How UCSF Medical Center’s 2007 vision for advancing health worldwide was actualized through ambitious donor engagement, even amidst the Great Recession. And the celebrated ability to now serve COVID-19 patients today.
(14:37) – Rick’s advice for nonprofits that are not in the health or emergency relief space (such as the arts, education, environment, and others).
(19:16) – The importance of reserve funds and anticipation for nonprofits prior to impactful economic events.
(22:24) – Overhead as a limiting factor of nonprofits: why being loyal to your mission is more important.
(24:46) – His perspective on middle-class donors and the risks of losing them after the crisis.
(27:09) – The cultivation mode campaigns and effective virtual solicitations taking place.
(29:49) – Guiding donors while they support during COVID-19 and how it will impact your organization in the long term.
(32:14) – His predictions on how philanthropy will be impacted during the upcoming months and years.