April 29 marked 100 days of the Trump administration. During this time, budget cuts and executive orders have affected many nonprofits and funders. These changes have also created uncertainty about what may come next. To help make sense of these events and imagine a way forward, our team at Community Wealth Partners convened an intimate group of nonprofit and foundation leaders in Washington, DC.
The purpose was to connect, share resources, and discuss experiences. The conversation highlighted several themes that were top of mind for participants. We are sharing these themes and resources to provide ideas and foster solidarity for others navigating similar challenges.
Supporting the Well-Being of Nonprofit Staff
Policy and budget changes in the new administration have affected nonprofit staff both professionally and personally. Leaders in our discussion described stress and overwhelm among their teams. They also expressed a strong desire to provide more support for staff well-being.
Furthermore, layoffs caused by budget shortfalls remain a real possibility for many nonprofits across the country. Leaders making difficult staffing decisions must consider three priorities: caring for those who are departing, caring for those who remain, and maintaining organizational sustainability. In particular, they must ensure that the organization retains essential knowledge and skills to continue creating impact.
RESOURCES:
- Self-Care During Challenging Times
- What’s Good on the Ship? Assessing Team Strengths and Mission-Critical Needs
Forging Partnerships for Collective Strength
Moments of crisis often lead to innovation and new alliances. Leaders recognized opportunities to foster solidarity across communities facing similar barriers. These include access to housing, healthy food, clean air, safe communities, quality education, and child care. They also saw potential to build connections with new or unlikely partners. Consequently, collaboration will be critical for making meaningful progress on pressing issues.
RESOURCES:
Shifting Narratives to Advance Equity
Many organizations in the discussion place equity at the center of their mission. Yet words such as “equity” and “inclusion” now appear on a list of banned terms for federal grants. Leaders considered how and when to respond to these restrictions. They also explored the need for alternative language that still clarifies their mission. In some cases, they may need to develop messages that attract broader support while staying true to their values.
RESOURCES:
- Messages that Advance Diversity and Equal Opportunity
- Civic Language Perceptions
- DEI Was Never Going to Save Us
Envisioning the Sector Four Years Ahead
Participants expressed grief over recent changes, such as the loss of AmeriCorps, and their impact on communities. At the same time, they acknowledged that the previous system was far from perfect. Leaders challenged each other to imagine what might be rebuilt during this time. They envisioned a social sector that is more just, more equitable, and more impactful. Today’s challenges also provide an opportunity to dream of a stronger future and to create greater impact for communities.
RESOURCES:
- Scenario Planning: A Tool to Help Nonprofits Navigate Change and Uncertainty
- Transformation Insights
- Webinar: Leading for the Long-Term in Uncertain Times (recorded in 2020)
What else has been on your mind? Connect with us to share how you are leading through change and uncertainty, or if you’d like thought partnership on a question that is top of mind for you.