When Funding Is Under Threat, Your Mission Is the Strategy | Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.

"Nonprofits are facing a political environment where essential missions are under attack and public funding is disappearing. The Trump administration has made it far more difficult for many nonprofits to continue receiving government support. Organizations whose missions or values run afoul of those of the White House and its allies in Congress, especially those connected to LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, racial equity, women's rights, voting rights, international relief, and the ever-present boogeyman of DEI, are facing the greatest funding pressures."

"This dynamic has led some nonprofits to self-censor, changing language they use to communicate their missions, sometimes omitting any mention of the communities they strive to serve, in an effort to avoid the wrath of the White House. "It's really about building a solid donor and support system where you have donors, long-time supporters, and allies who understand your work." But leaders warn self-censorship may offer short-term relief at the expense of long-term trust with communities and with donors."

Nonprofits face intensified political pressure and shrinking public funding when their missions conflict with prevailing administration priorities. Groups connected to LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, racial equity, women's rights, voting rights, international relief, and DEI feel the greatest funding strain. Some organizations respond by self-censoring language and omitting references to served communities to avoid political backlash. Building a reliable donor and support base of committed funders can mitigate dependence on government support. Self-censorship can provide brief protection but risks eroding long-term trust with communities and donors. Criminal justice funding is especially susceptible to shifts across administrations.

Read at Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.