Launching The BRIDGE Collective: Response, recovery and resilience in a time of uncertainty

The philanthropic world is facing an unprecedented period of uncertainty. With cuts to international aid, freezes on domestic spending, and shifting global priorities, nonprofits are navigating a rapidly changing funding landscape. This moment calls for clarity, commitment, and a renewed focus on what truly strengthens civil society: long-term resilience.

96% of nonprofits said they need more training support with digital capacity-building in Lightful’s recent webinar on navigating funding uncertainty

At Lightful, we believe that nonprofits need more than just short-term support. They need the right tools, networks, and capacity to weather crises and emerge stronger. That is why we are launching The BRIDGE Collective, a new initiative designed to bring together funders and nonprofits to build resilience, strengthen digital capacity, and amplify impact at scale.

Introducing The BRIDGE Collective

The BRIDGE Collective launches in June to build on our successful BRIDGE (Building Resilience in Digital Growth and Engagement) programme, which has already supported over 3,500 nonprofits across 120+ countries. With masterclasses, one-to-one coaching, e-learning, and practical AI training, BRIDGE equips nonprofits with the digital storytelling and fundraising skills they need to build resilience and secure long-term sustainability.

Running over 6 months, funders and nonprofits from around the world are welcome to join the Collective. Specific communities of practice will bring together organisations by region or theme - such as a group already planned for Floridian organisations - to maximise peer-to-peer learning and community building.

As we announced during The Skoll World Forum 2025, we’re inviting foundations to nominate​ and support as many grantees and partners as they wish – whether that’s ​1, 10 or ​100 – and come together in solidarity in our funders’ steering group. ​

The steering group will be chaired by Mari Kuraishi, President of The Jessie Ball duPont Fund and Co-Founder of GlobalGiving. The group will provide strategic guidance and foster a collaborative, trusted space where funders can share insights, align efforts, and maximise the effectiveness of their support

This is a unique opportunity to bring multiple funders together in a shared commitment to strengthening the sector. By pooling resources and expertise, we will scale impact and ensure that nonprofits develop the digital skills, storytelling capabilities, and strategic knowledge they need to diversify their income and build long-term resilience.

Be Part of the Collective

The challenges ahead require bold action, and we do not have to face them alone. The BRIDGE Collective is an invitation to funders and nonprofits alike to come together in a shared commitment to resilience.

If you are a funder looking to support your grantees beyond one-off grants, ensuring they have the skills, tools, and confidence to thrive, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Join us. Let’s talk about how we can build resilience together.