Is the Traditional Model of Healthcare Fundraising Failing Our Most Vulnerable Families

In many communities, families facing critical healthcare challenges rely on nonprofit organizations for support. These nonprofits often depend on fundraising models that have remained largely unchanged for decades. While well-intentioned, the traditional approach is beginning to show its limitations, especially for families with urgent, long-term needs. Let’s take a closer look at why this system might not be meeting the needs of the people who rely on it most.

Failure of Traditional Healthcare Fundraising Models

One-Time Events Aren’t Enough

Most fundraising models still center around large annual events such as galas, walkathons, or silent auctions. These events can be successful in gathering community attention and short-term donations. However, they often fail to offer continuous support. Families dealing with chronic illness or long-term treatments cannot wait for a yearly dinner to access life-saving care or basic necessities.

The structure of these events also tends to exclude smaller donors or community members who cannot attend or contribute large sums. As a result, the flow of donations becomes inconsistent, and many families are left with gaps in support throughout the year.

Pressure on Volunteers and Organizers

Another challenge is the heavy reliance on a small group of volunteers who carry the responsibility of planning and executing large-scale events. This can lead to burnout and, over time, reduced involvement. It’s also difficult to maintain momentum year after year without fresh resources or widespread community engagement.

People like Andi Sklar, a passionate community advocate based in Westport, CT, have shown how impactful sustained, hands-on efforts can be. From her early work with preschool committees to raising over a million dollars for breast cancer patients through PinkAid, her efforts show that fundraising success often depends on deeply committed individuals. But should the burden of supporting families in crisis rest on just a few shoulders?

Families Need Consistent, Predictable Support

Children and families facing serious medical conditions need more than occasional relief. They need consistent access to care, financial help with ongoing treatments, and emotional support during extended recovery. Traditional fundraising doesn’t always provide this kind of reliability.

Modern healthcare fundraising must focus on building steady, month-to-month support systems such as subscription-style donations, micro-donation networks, or community-driven sponsorships. These models spread out the pressure and keep help flowing, even when attention has moved on to other causes.

A Call for Smarter Giving

This isn’t about replacing the traditional model altogether. It’s about asking hard questions and being honest about what works and what doesn’t. There’s still room for gala nights and charity auctions, but they can no longer be the only pillar holding up a family in crisis.

We must build a culture of smarter giving, where support is ongoing, where community involvement is meaningful, and where donations are easier to give and track. Advocates like Andi Sklar show us what dedication looks like, but we need systems that don't rely entirely on exceptional individuals.

Conclusion

The needs of vulnerable families are too great to be answered by outdated fundraising models alone. We have to shift the focus to sustainable support, accessible technology, and active community participation. The traditional model is showing its limits. The time to adapt is now.