Episode Title: "Survival, Stability, and the 31% Recurring Donor Surge"

Summary: - AFP Icon conference reveals fundraisers are focused on survival strategies amid inflation, federal cuts, and tax changes

• Recurring donor bases have grown 31% since 2023, offering a blueprint for revenue stability
• The IRS announces a formal rework of Form 990, signaling enhanced transparency requirements ahead
• New research on 2,000+ donors reveals recurring givers see themselves as mission partners, not just supporters
• Action steps: diversify funding sources, optimize recurring giving, and prepare for new reporting standards

Sources Mentioned: - Chronicle of Philanthropy — "Inflation, Cuts, Tax Changes: A Tough Year Takes Center Stage at AFP Icon": https://www.philanthropy.com/news/inflation-cuts-tax-changes-a-tough-year-takes-center-stage-at-afp-icon/

• BYU Scholars Archive — "Nonprofit Leaders' Perceived Top Struggles: A Qualitative Study": https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1195&context=joni
• Nonprofit Pro — "Recurring Donor Base Grew 31% Since 2023, New Data Reveals": https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/recurring-donor-base-grew-31-since-2023-new-data-reveals/
• The Nonprofit Times — "Reworking Of Federal Form 990 Set To Begin": https://thenonprofittimes.com/npt_articles/reworking-of-federal-form-990-set-to-begin/
• NP Tech for Good — "New Research Reveals What Motivates Recurring Donors": https://www.nptechforgood.com/2026/04/28/new-research-reveals-what-motivates-recurring-donors/

Approximate Timestamps: - 0:00 — Introduction and episode preview

• 0:35 — The Big Picture: AFP Icon, economic headwinds, and recurring donor growth
• 4:00 — Why Donors Give: The partnership mindset of recurring donors
• 5:15 — What Changed: Form 990 rework and transparency implications
• 6:15 — The Bottom Line and three action items
• 7:30 — Good in Action: Community over competition at AFP Icon
• 8:30 — Sign-off