As we look back on last year and dive into this year, we’re proud of what we’ve built together.

In 2025, we supported 613 clients across 32 countries, facilitated $55M in foundation grants, and continued to expand our international reach. We also saw strong year-on-year growth, with a 30% increase in grants and a 23% increase in fund holders, alongside a full calendar of conferences, forums, and events worldwide.

These results reflect the trust of our clients, the strength of our partnerships, and the dedication of our international team in advancing effective, cross-border philanthropy.

We look forward to building on this momentum in 2026.

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Global giving is on the rise as individuals, foundations, and corporations look to make a strategic impact across borders. But with that growth comes intense competition for donor attention and funding.

How Chapel & York helps you stand out

At Chapel & York, our International Fundraising team of over 45 experts, headed by Arnaud Marcilhacy, bring decades of experience across higher education, arts and culture, medical research, and global NGOs.

Ready to Scale Your Impact Internationally?

“The expertise of Chapel & York’s consultants laid the groundwork for the launch of our fundraising campaign, strengthening our institution’s impact and commitment to social progress. A special thank you to Arnaud Marcilhacy and Stuart Krantz for your invaluable contributions in shaping our resource mobilisation strategy with skill and dedication!”

– Fundação Dom Cabral.

If your organisation is ready to scale its impact internationally, our team can make it happen. Let’s talk

In recent weeks, the new Administration in the United States has issued a number of orders and initiated actions. Many charities and organisations who receive support from US funders are concerned about what this means for their fundraising and support for their programmes. Whilst it is an evolving situation and many of these actions are facing legal challenges, Chapel &York is monitoring it closely. The high-level takeaway is that if your organisation is not currently or anticipating receiving funds from the US Government, nor working with partners who are, there will be no direct effect on your funding. You may, however, experience indirect effects of these funding cuts and freezes as the fundraising becomes more competitive due to affected organisations seeking replacement funding. We hope the following summary of what we know thus far and potential effects on funding is useful:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

“Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity”

On January 21, the administration issued an executive order that requires every federal grant or contract to certify it is compliant with “anti-discrimination” laws and does not operate any programs promoting DEI that violate “anti-discrimination” laws. The order also targets for possible investigation philanthropies and public charities with assets of more than $500 million and medical associations and higher education institutions with endowments of $1 billion or more.

What to know: This primarily pertains to federally (US Government) funded programmes. US 501(c)(3)s are only impacted by this if they are receiving federal funds for DEI programmes (those promoting diversity, equity and inclusion), have more than $500 million USD in assets or are a university with an endowment of $1 billion or more. If you have a DEI programme, consider broadening its scope so that no one group is favoured or has exclusive eligibility.

Federal Funding Freeze

“Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs”

On January 27, the Office of Management and Budget imposed a temporary freeze on federal funding, including grants to a wide range of nonprofits. On February 10, Federal Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ordered the government to “immediately restore frozen funding.”

The Trump Administration has also stated its intention to close the U.S. Agency for International Development, an agency which provides $22 billion in grants and contracts to international organisations. On February 21, a federal judge dissolved the temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration’s plan to put 2,700 USAID staff on leave and recall overseas employees of the United States.

What to know: If you are currently receiving funding from USAID or have an active application for these funds, it is highly unlikely this funding will be received or approved, respectively. If this pertains to your 501(c)(3), it is recommended that you diversify your fundraising and seek alternate funding sources. It should be noted, however, that this freeze will have the knock-on effect of creating a more competitive fundraising environment as other organisations also seek other funders to fill these gaps.

Nonprofits that receive federal support

“Advancing United States Interests When Funding Nongovernmental Organizations”

On February 6, a memo stated many NGOs (, i.e., nongovernmental agencies, also known as nonprofit organisations) “are engaged in actions that actively undermine the security, prosperity, and safety of the American people” and “[i]t is the policy of my Administration to stop funding NGOs that undermine the national interest.” The memo directs the heads of executive departments and agencies to “review all funding that agencies provide to NGOs” and “align future funding decisions with the interests of the United States and with the goals and priorities of the Administration.”

What to know: This memo calls for added scrutiny and potential cuts of funding to nonprofits receiving federal (US Government) funding for missions and programmes that do not align with the current Administration’s priorities. If you are receiving federal funding, it is recommended you diversify your fundraising and seek alternate funding sources.

White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships

“Initial Recissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions”: This January 20 order rescinds Executive Order 14015 of February 14, 2021 (Establishment of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships). Nonprofits will no longer have direct connections to the executive branch through this office.

What to know: If your US 501(c)(3) is a faith-based organisation, you will no longer have a connection to the Administration through the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. This office had previously served as a channel to collect input from and provide feedback to faith-based nonprofits.

Immigration

“Protecting the American People Against Invasion”

This January 20 executive order requires the U.S. Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to review all federal contracts, grants, and other programs that provide funding to nonprofits that support or provide services to “illegal aliens” for waste, fraud, and compliance with immigration laws. It also pauses funding, which affects nonprofits that may also serve legal, documented immigrants.

What to know: If your 501(c)(3) is receiving federal (US Government) funding for programmes related to immigration or refugee services, this funding is now halted. It is unlikely this funding will resume and is therefore recommended that you diversify your fundraising and seek alternative funding sources. It should be noted, however, that this freeze will have the knock-on effect of creating a more competitive fundraising environment as other organisations also seek other funders to fill these gaps.

Environment

“Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions”

This January 20 order revokes several executive orders related to the environment, including the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Nonprofits receiving or expecting funding in clean energy transition, climate mitigation, and various environmental programs may have their funding paused or terminated.

What to know: If your 501(c)(3) is receiving federal (US Government) funding for programmes related to environment, climate change or clean energy, this funding is likely to be halted. It is unlikely this funding will resume and is therefore recommended that you diversify your fundraising and seek alternative funding sources. It should be noted, however, that this freeze will have the knock-on effect of creating a more competitive fundraising environment as other organisations also seek other funders to fill these gaps.

LGBTQ+

“Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government”

This January 20 executive order stated, “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female. These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality. Under my direction, the Executive Branch will enforce all sex-protective laws to promote this reality.”

What to know: If your 501(c)(3) is receiving federal (US Government) funding for programmes related to LGBTQ+ issues, this funding is in jeopardy. It is unlikely this funding will resume and is therefore recommended that you diversify your fundraising and seek alternative funding sources. It should be noted, however, that this freeze will have the knock-on effect of creating a more competitive fundraising environment as other organisations also seek other funders to fill these gaps.

Research

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently issued “Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates,” stating NIH is imposing a standard indirect cost rate on all grants of 15%. This notice says the cap on the indirect rate will allow grant recipients a reasonable and realistic recovery of indirect costs while helping NIH make sure grant funds are primarily used to advance its mission. The notice states that as of February 10, an indirect cost rate cap of 15% would be in place for new and any expenses incurred on or after that date for existing grants. Per the notice, the 15% limit would replace previously negotiated rates with universities and research institutions. Indirect costs are those categorised as ‘Facilities and Administrative Costs.’

What to know: If your organisation is partnering with a US university or research institution to carry out research investigations, or if your organisation had been in discussion to begin such a partnership, this cap on indirect cost rates will likely have a significant impact on the US university’s or research institution’s ability to carry out its research as previously budgeted and planned. This may end or delay partnerships as alternate funding sources will likely need to be secured in order to carry out projects as a result of this cap.

Empowering Organisations

At Chapel & York, we’re passionate about empowering organisations to master international fundraising. We often deliver workshops and webinars to our partners and clients tailored to their experience levels.

Our Partnership

We recently delivered the first in a series of webinars for World Art Foundations members as part of our partnership beginning with the absolute fundamentals of international fundraising. World Art Foundations connects art foundations globally, offering a platform for collaboration and growth. They provide grants, residency opportunities, and host exhibitions around the world, showcasing artistic talents and fostering cultural exchange.

Looking Ahead

A fascinating discussion was had and we are looking forward to the rest of the series and also speaking at the World Art Foundations conference in Lisbon in November.

Watch the First Talk

Come Visit Us!

Come see us at stand 2 to explore the latest in international fundraising strategies and don’t miss out on an insightful session on global giving by our experts, Nancy Bikson and Heather Hill.

Whether you’re a seasoned international fundraiser or new to the field, this is a fantastic opportunity to expand your network and gain valuable insights.

See you there!

CASE Europe Annual Conference 2024

August 27 – 29, 2024. Manchester, United Kingdom

Experience and Expertise

With over 15 years of international experience in the non-profit and social impact sectors, Lior brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, accountable, and empowering environments. Her extensive background in strategic organisational change, sustainable partnership building, and operational efficiency will be invaluable to our mission.

Lior’s leadership acumen is well-established, having successfully guided various organisations towards achieving their goals both internally and externally.

Beyond her professional achievements, Lior is a dedicated member of Giving Women, working tirelessly to strengthen women-led initiatives for women and girls around the world.

Please join us in welcoming Lior to our team. We are confident that her expertise and passion will significantly contribute to our Swiss foundation clients.

The Switzerland Foundation

Unlock the full potential of Swiss fundraising opportunities.

Experience and Expertise

Kevin brings with him over 25 years of rich professional experience in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors. His career is driven by an unwavering passion to serve. At New York Life Insurance Company, he developed award-winning corporate responsibility programmes. At AARP Foundation, he created groundbreaking intervention initiatives in Chicago’s inner-city public schools. Most recently, at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, he helped donors define and achieve their philanthropic goals. Kevin’s work is backed by a strong educational foundation, holding an undergraduate degree in business management and accounting from the University of Massachusetts in Boston and a master’s degree in policy from Columbia University in New York City.

In Kevin’s own words, “I am delighted to join the dynamic team at Chapel & York, the market leader in international fundraising. As a trusted partner, the Chapel & York US Foundation is a critical resource, helping non-US organisations effectively access US donors and maximise support for their work. I look forward to engaging with our fundholders across the globe to ensure they benefit from Chapel & York’s knowledge and expertise.”

We’re excited for the innovative leadership and passion Kevin will bring to our US foundation. Please join us in welcoming him to our team.

The US Foundation

The Chapel & York US Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization and can help you accept donations from the US.

Heather Hill, CNM, CFRE

The most notable change is the appointment of Heather Hill, CNM, CFRE as Head of International Philanthropy. The move follows a successful period for Ms Hill as Head of Foundations and Executive Director of the US Foundation. The broader role will now encompass leadership of both Foundation and the Charity Management services.

Based in the US, Ms Hill has extensive global experience in the philanthropic sector, with two decades of nonprofit experience and an extensive background in leadership and management, fundraising, marketing and communications, grant seeking, strategic planning and analytics. A highly rated international speaker and a passionate thought leader and volunteer, Heather has received multiple awards for her work (including for her “#thanksGivingTuesday” initiative) and is also Chair of Rogare, the international fundraising think tank.

Arnaud Marcilhacy

Ms Hill´s new role comes following the appointment of Arnaud Marcilhacy as Head of International Fundraising in 2022. An experienced professional in Communications, Marketing and Fundraising, Arnaud Marcilhacy built his career around working with international humanitarian organisations, higher education and cultural institutions and medical research institutes in Europe, Africa and Canada as well. Wiser for his 10-year experience in Canada at World Vision Canada and advertising agency Leo Burnett, he has a solid expertise in strategic planning, major gift campaigns and negotiation of partnerships.

Mr. Marcilhacy is considered a leader and an innovator in fundraising matters in French speaking continental Europe. Major clients have included the Sorbonne University, the Catholic University of Louvain la Neuve in Belgium, Pasteur Institute, the Red Cross Museum in Geneva, Napoleon Foundation, the international NGO Action Education, and many other organizations.

Mr Marcilhacy is leading an experienced team that is dedicated to helping non profits increase their impact through strategic fundraising campaigns. Together with Ms Hill they will work to create greater synergy between Chapel and York’s main areas of expertise in connecting charities and donors across borders.

Nancy Bikson’s comment

Nancy Bikson, Managing Director at Chapel & York said “I am very pleased that Heather has agreed to take on this broader role as it aligns perfectly with our position as the Home of International Fundraising and Philanthropy.” She went on to say “We are confident that with this new structure and the leadership both Heather and Arnaud bring that we can further provide our clients with exceptional service while expanding our reach around the world.”

The realignment of the senior team at Chapel & York is part of their commitment to providing innovative solutions for charities seeking long-term impact through international fundraising and charitable giving.

Chapel & York

For over 25 years, Chapel & York has worked to increase international fundraising and philanthropy offering comprehensive services to organisations and donors worldwide. With locations in 6 countries they deliver on-the-ground cultural, legal advice and support. They offer a comprehensive suite of services for any organisation seeking to raise funds abroad, whether it is meeting a need to provide local tax benefits for international donors or fundraising planning and support.