Reimagining What’s Possible
Lisbon, Portugal (Pall3y)
A few months ago, York County Shelter Programs in Maine, an organization that had served its community for nearly half a century, closed its doors. Not because the need disappeared, but because the numbers didn’t add up. The state reimbursed $7 a night per bed to run its emergency shelters. The actual cost? $102.
This is a story that’s becoming all-too-familiar, and one that the Chronicle of Philanthropy called part of a growing “legitimacy crisis” across the nonprofit sector. Demand for services is rising, but funding is flat. Even strong organizations are finding that the goodwill of donors and the reliability of grants no longer guarantee survival.
At 10F Communications, we work with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations navigating this exact moment - helping them communicate their value, build visibility and trust, and explore new, sustainable ways to fund their missions.
Nonprofits exist to meet urgent community needs - to fill the gaps left by governments and in some cases, the private sector. But increasingly, they’re being forced to prove their worth in a space that doesn’t always value what can’t be easily onetized.
The Chronicle article points to a troubling truth: when nonprofits lack strong visibility or brand recognition, they risk being seen as less “legitimate” or less efficient than for-profits -- even when their impact is immense.
Branding, narrative, and trust are no longer afterthoughts: they’re strategy and infrastructure. They shape how donors, partners, policymakers, and the public perceive a mission’s credibility and urgency. Without a clear narrative, even high-impact organizations can remain invisible.
Rethinking Income: Beyond Grants and Donations
The traditional model - grants, donations, and maybe an annual event or gala - no longer ensure return on investment (ROI) or success on its own. To survive and grow, nonprofits are reimagining what revenue can look like. The lines between nonprofit, business, and social enterprise may be blurring.
Some are adding fee-for-service programs, consulting models, or training arms that leverage their expertise. Others are launching social enterprises or experimenting with membership-based models that provide a steady income stream while deepening engagement with supporters and the larger community.
The key is diversification: creating multiple pathways for income that align with mission and values, not distract from them. It’s about building financial resilience without losing sight of purpose.
The Role of Communications and Brand
At 10F Communications, we see every successful revenue innovation start with one thing: clarity of message.
Nonprofits often underestimate how much their story impacts their bottom line. Clear, consistent communication and branding builds legitimacy. And, legitimacy drives investment. Whether you’re launching a new program, courting partners, or experimenting with earned income, your narrative is what helps others believe in and buy into your vision.
We help nonprofits find that clarity: defining their core narrative, aligning messaging across platforms, and communicating results in a way that resonates with funders and audiences alike.
How 10F Comms Can Help
Our approach at 10F Communications combines strategy, storytelling, and innovation. We partner with nonprofits to:
Clarify and strengthen your brand narrative ensuring your communications reflect your value and impact.
Develop visibility plans from content to campaigns that attract funders, collaborators, and new audiences.
Coach leadership teams helping them communicate the organization’s direction with confidence, transparency, and alignment.
Our goal is to help nonprofits not only stay afloat but thrive by building the financial and reputational resilience they need to weather change.
