3 Tips for Organizations Raising Funds Abroad

How nonprofits + charities can strengthen relationships with international fundraising arms + donors abroad - and protect their reputation.

There’s been quite a lot of talk lately about another respected “American Friends” organization making negative headlines. Like many of you, particularly as a fundraising consultant, I am deeply concerned and disturbed by the news. At a time when international support for Israel is more vital than ever, it’s painful to see trust shaken in organizations that so many have long relied on and admired.

But rather than dwelling on what went wrong, I want to focus on what Israeli nonprofits - and charitable organizations everywhere - can and must do now to strengthen relationships with international affiliates and donors abroad. Practical steps that help you, as professional leaders and dedicated volunteers, raise funds successfully and safeguard your organization’s reputation for the long term.

Every organization approaches international fundraising differently. Some have well-established, professional Friends entities abroad; others have no formal overseas structure at all, or only limited infrastructure to support their ongoing efforts. Regardless of the model, the principles for trust, transparency, and sustainable success remain the same.

Govern well to fundraise well.

When resources are tight and urgent needs demand attention, it’s tempting to push governance, compliance, fundraising ethics, and clear giving policies aside. After all, aren’t we here to help people first? But shortcuts taken today can easily turn into crises tomorrow.

Israeli nonprofit founders, executives, and board members must view governance not as a hindrance, but as a vital investment in building long-term donor trust, fostering strong partnerships, and achieving sustainable success.

In practice, that means for any nonprofit with global fundraising ambitions:

✅ Assume direct + joint responsibility for your global fundraising efforts. Partner smartly with entities abroad.

✅ Clearly define roles, expectations + fundraising processes when partnering with an “independent” Friends organization abroad. Ask questions. Check in.

✅ Ensure local + global oversight structures are robust, transparent, and up to date.

✅ Develop + uphold clear fundraising policies and donor agreements for global funding partnerships.

✅ Understand and meet local + international legal and tax requirements to solicit + steward donors.

Lead your global fundraising.

Never fully outsource your donor relationships or fundraising efforts. A Friends organization is a powerful asset - but it should amplify your voice, not replace it. Today, modern technology, travel, and social media make it easier than ever for Israeli nonprofit leaders to be visible, trusted ambassadors for their mission abroad.

By showing up, sharing your story, and actively nurturing donor partnerships, nonprofit leaders can strengthen trust, build stronger relationships, and ensure long-term success across borders.

Here’s how nonprofit leaders and funders can take the lead:

✅ Co-create a robust fundraising plan with your overseas partners based on common goals + priorities.

✅ Build an in-house fundraising team with the skills + experience to effectively engage with global donors.

✅ Get on a plane. Tell your story well. Meet donors where they are. Share your impact up close.

✅ Learn to love the ask. Take an active role in major gift solicitations alongside your overseas partners.

✅ Use technology to build and strengthen meaningful relationships with donors, wherever they are.

Expand + diversify global support.

Israeli nonprofits today have more opportunities than ever to connect meaningfully with supporters worldwide. Yes, Friends organizations and federated campaigns remain vital bridges for tax-deductible giving, but they no longer hold a monopoly on international philanthropy.

New avenues are open for Israeli nonprofits ready to broaden their reach, build trust, and inspire giving across borders.

Practical ways to expand and diversify your global fundraising:

✅ Make your online presence a priority to communicate your mission + work effectively for donors abroad. Make it easy for donors to see your impact + donate.

✅ Build trusting partnerships with private foundations + donor-advised funds.

✅ Invest in online giving platforms + alternative international giving vehicles that offer fresh pathways for donors to make tax-deductible contributions.

✅ Work with crowdfunding + peer-to-peer fundraising platforms to reach new audiences through campaigns that transcend geographic borders.

#Fundraising #Philanthropy #AmericanFriends #InternationalGiving #NonprofitLeadership #FundraisingStrategy

Tanja Sarett, MA, CFRE, CVF, is an international fundraising consultant, facilitator, and executive coach based in the US and Israel, and the founder of Synergies in Philanthropy Consulting.

Synergies in Philanthropy Consulting provides strategic and customized solutions to help nonprofits grow their fundraising capacity, deepen donor engagement, and drive sustainable revenue. With a global perspective and deep understanding of the local landscape, Synergies empowers organizations in Israel, the US, and Europe to excel with clarity, creativity, and confidence.