Following a recent workshop hosted by The Foraker Group on communicating with fundholders about crowdfunding platforms, Stacey was encouraged to share key takeaways with the nonprofits and fundholders who invest significant time and energy into building their funds at the Homer Foundation.

At the Homer Foundation, we know that trust is at the center of every gift. Donors give because they believe in your mission, your leadership, and the impact your organization or fund has in our community. That trust is one of your most valuable assets , and it is worth protecting.

Recently, the State of Alaska announced legal action against several crowdfunding websites that allegedly created donation pages for nonprofits without their knowledge or consent. These platforms reportedly used publicly available nonprofit information to generate fundraising pages that may appear official, even when the organizations themselves had no involvement.

For nonprofits and fundholders raising money through the Homer Foundation, this is an important reminder to clearly communicate with supporters about the safest and most trusted ways to give.

Unauthorized fundraising pages can create confusion for donors and may result in delays, additional fees, or uncertainty about whether gifts are reaching the intended organization or fund. Even well-intentioned donors may not realize they are giving through a third-party platform that has not been approved.

Now is a good time to review your fundraising communications and make sure your supporters know exactly where and how to give.

Ways to Build Donor Confidence

Here are a few simple ways nonprofits and fundholders can reinforce trust and transparency with donors:

• Clearly list approved giving methods on your website and social media pages
• Link directly to your Homer Foundation fund page or official donation page
• Remind donors to give only through platforms you actively manage or authorize
• Include giving guidance in newsletters, appeals, thank-you letters, and campaign materials
• Encourage donors to contact you directly if they are unsure whether a fundraising page is legitimate

Consistent communication helps reassure donors that their gifts are secure, intentional, and making the impact they expect.

Sample Donor Message

Here is sample language nonprofits and fundholders may adapt for websites, newsletters, emails, or social media:

We are committed to protecting donor trust and ensuring your gifts directly support our mission.

Please donate only through our official fundraising channels, including our Homer Foundation fund page and approved giving platforms. Some third-party fundraising websites may use nonprofit names or information without permission, which can create confusion for donors.

If you are ever unsure whether a fundraising page is legitimate, please contact us directly before making a gift. Thank you for supporting our work in trusted and meaningful ways.

A Shared Commitment to Stewardship

One of the strengths of partnering with the Homer Foundation is the added layer of stewardship, accountability, and community trust that comes with foundation-managed charitable funds. Clear communication about approved giving channels helps protect both donors and the organizations they care about.

Fundraising is ultimately about relationships. When donors know their gifts are secure, transparent, and aligned with their intent, it strengthens confidence in the entire charitable community.

If you are a fundholder and would like support reviewing your fundraising language or donor communications, the Homer Foundation team is happy to help.