The Uniquely Cruel New Threats to Nonprofits: An Overview from Sara

"Since the start of the Trump administration we've seen a relentless and unprecedented attack on nonprofits and the people and communities we serve." - Diane Yentel, President & CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits

It's been 21 years ago this month that I began my career in nonprofit leadership. For over two decades, I've had a front row seat to the nonprofit industrial complex that already came with its challenges and faults. But I knew that after November 5, 2024, the nonprofit landscape as we knew it would forever be changed - and not for the better.

Right now, the nonprofit world and the communities and causes we serve, we're all holding our collective breath. Since January 27th, the Trump administration has instilled a level of anxiety, instability, and for some, a level of paralysis among nonprofits. In summary, this administration is going after nonprofits he doesn't agree with by cutting off their funding and taking away their tax exempt status and they have been waging the most significant assault on the nonprofit sector we have ever seen. We're now all assessing where we are on the spectrum of harm - from somewhat to decimated. But we know that an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.

The Trump administration has made it no secret that they are seeking unchecked power to weaponize the government and silence critics.  Mainstream news has given a lot of attention to the attacks on Harvard, PBS and NPR, but we want to remind you that right here in Wisconsin, nonprofits are also being targeted:

• We don't talk about DEI: Wisconsin hospital systems are quietly removing diversity language, 6/5/25, Wisconsin Watch

• Trump cuts to AmeriCorps to affect hundreds of Wisconsin sites, 4/30/25, Civic Media

• Trump executive order shuts down Wisconsin's minority business development center, 4/22/25, BizTimes

Embolden WI is not immune to these attacks. Almost all of our funding that goes to support our incredibly impactful Providers and Teens Communicating for Health (PATCH) Program comes from federal funds. We've already been told that one of our critical grants is likely to be pulled jeopardizing this amazing youth led program that has been changing lives and the landscape for adolescent health for over a decade. To say things have gotten scary for our small but mighty nonprofit is a huge understatement. This administration is implementing a broad assault on civic society and on democracy and we must not be silent and we must stay informed, involved, and inspired to fight back.

One powerful way you can help today is to sign up to Foster Embolden WI's Future with a $10 or more a month donation. Right now we're leaning into our vast network of supporters and asking you to sign up to give $10 a month through our Foster the Future Fund. We desperately need to secure reliable, unrestricted funding to give us the grace and space to navigate and mitigate the growing threats to nonprofits like ours. With a monthly donation of $10 or more, we're depending on a network of people who care to help us weather this storm. 

At a time when people are desperately trying to figure out what they can individually do to resist, persist, and make a difference, don't underestimate the power you have to invest in and sustain a critical nonprofit like ours. For every dollar donated to Embolden WI, 86 cents goes directly into our programming that emboldens marginalized communities to build the power and agency they need to drive long lasting transformation for health justice. If you can, please consider signing up to invest $10 a month to make enormous difference to our small, but might nonprofit.

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Additional Information Threats to Nonprofits:

• There have been over 146 Executive Orders to date that touch everything under the sun related to the nonprofit sector starting with DEI and stretching into voting and community engagement

• The nonprofit sector stands united in solidarity

• We need to stay informed and watch for threats in all forms including hidden provisions in legislation like the "Big, Beautiful Bill"

• Executive Orders Affecting Charitable Nonprofits (National Council of Nonprofits)

Resources for Nonprofits:

• The Legal Landscape and Path Ahead for Nonprofits & Philanthropy (3/17/25 webinar)

• Alliance for Justice - How Nonprofits Can Fight Back Against Trump's Harmful Executive Orders

• National Council of Nonprofits Communication Guide

• National Council of Nonprofits "Setting the Record Straight"

• National Council of Nonprofits - A Nonprofit Checklist: Conducting a Risk Assessment for Federal Funding

• National Council of Nonprofits - A Nonprofit Checklist: What to do When Your Federal Grant or Contract is Terminated

• Americans Against Government Censorship - Guidance on Expected Nonprofit EO

• Democracy 2025 Response Center

• Share Your Story of Nonprofit Impact

Call to Action:

The National Council of Nonprofits urges Congress to recognize and support the indispensable work done by nonprofits by ensuring any tax package advanced by Congress:

1. Rejects increased taxes on foundation and other charitable nonprofits

2. Rejects limits on charitable donations made by individuals and corporations

3. Preserves and strengthens charitable tax incentives