In early 2025, the development sector was dealt another blow: a freeze on USAID funding. As other institutional donors—including the Netherlands, France, and the UK—redirected overseas development assistance (ODA) towards defence and migration priorities, the ripple effect across global aid and humanitarian sectors was immediate and severe. Many organisations found themselves at a crossroads, needing to evolve—quickly.
Bright has been working closely with Fleet Forum to ensure this evolution is not only responsive, but strategic, inclusive, and future-ready.
At the heart of this partnership lies a bold ambition: to build financial resilience through diversification. Together, we’ve led a process that goes beyond stop-gap solutions. We’ve facilitated strategic conversations with members and partners, using their insights to redefine Fleet Forum’s value proposition. The result is an updated framework—anchored by four strategic pillars—that guides new directions in funding.
One of those pillars, focused on unlocking new income streams, has sparked the development of five innovative revenue model concepts. Bright has explored a range of creative approaches—from CSR partnerships and match-funding opportunities, to awards from mission-aligned organisations. Two of these models are now moving into a pilot phase between July and December 2025, paving the way for a practical test of long-term sustainability ideas.
Our approach has also looked at how to better leverage existing strengths—such as the Fleet Forum Annual Virtual Conference. We designed a comprehensive prospectus that brings clarity to the sponsorship offer, sharpening the messaging and positioning, creating clear costing models, and mapping a targeted list of prospective sponsors. Early engagement efforts have already begun, with concrete recommendations in place to inform the 2025–2026 sponsorship strategy.
This body of work is grounded in Bright’s belief that financial resilience isn’t about chasing every funding opportunity—it’s about intentionally designing income strategies that align with mission, deliver impact, and reflect the realities of a shifting donor landscape. Through collaboration, innovation, and deep sector insight, we’ve helped Fleet Forum lay the foundation for just that.
As donors continue to re-evaluate priorities, the development sector must also reimagine how it sustains its work. Bright is proud to be working at the forefront of that shift—helping clients like Fleet Forum to adapt effectively in this changing landscape.
