We’ve represented liberal nonprofits for many years—you are our passion. But never has a crisis confronted us like the current administration. Hardly a day passes without conversations about how to survive, adapt, or perhaps even thrive. My goal here is to share the fears, hopes, and—above all—the strategies of nonprofit leaders. Be warned: the spectrum of responses is wide, sometimes conflicting, but always fascinating.
Many leaders are now fighting not for new advances but simply to hold onto hard-won gains. Civil rights, climate change, sexual freedom, medical freedom—these and similar causes face urgent battles to preserve victories that took a century to achieve. Retrenchment is now essential.
Ignore, Engage, or Fight
Nonprofits today face crucial choices about how to respond. Some choose to ignore the administration entirely, either as a strategy or because they experience no direct federal impact. Imagine an animal sanctuary receiving no government funds; their worry isn’t about direct cuts but whether donors can still support them.
Others have thrown out the old playbook completely. It’s a new age; the old rules no longer apply, and this change is unprecedented. It’s time to fight—and fight loudly.
Still, another group seeks common ground, believing engagement is key. Many nonprofits now pursue training to effectively communicate across deep divides. Racial, sexual, and religious minorities have navigated such conversations for centuries, but now every cause must speak beyond its own echo chamber. There’s a tiny sliver of people who tip the balance—these individuals, when engaged, can shift political outcomes dramatically. While we must unify supporters, we must also extend conversations to those who oppose us—even those we dislike or who dislike us. Common humanity remains within reach.
Taking Legal and Political Action
To defend existing rights and hold government accountable, nonprofit leaders increasingly look to collective legal action—coalitions, friend-of-court filings, and class-action lawsuits. Few nonprofits can afford to tackle these big-picture legal challenges alone, especially smaller organizations under $100 million (or even $0). But standing together, nonprofits become powerful advocates. You may not always lead the charge, but you can proudly stand at the front, sword held high.
Beyond legal action, advocacy at federal, state, and local levels remains crucial. Advocating for your mission is your mission. Nonprofits must know their rights. As 501(c)(3) organizations, you cannot support or oppose candidates—but Trump is no longer a candidate. Nonprofits can—and should—openly criticize official actions by Trump’s administration or executive agencies when those actions conflict with your mission.
Every 501(c)(3) nonprofit can lobby directly and at grassroots levels. Learn the rules and push them fully—few nonprofits ever approach their maximum lobbying limits. Equally important is advocacy at the state and local levels. Republicans have taught us that every election—from water districts and school boards to the presidency—matters deeply. In California alone, important elections loom:
- April 29, 2025: Senate District 36 Special General Election
- June 3, 2025: City of Industry General Municipal Election
- November 4, 2025: Local and Municipal Elections
Now is not the time to sit quietly. Be loud, be strong, and act locally.
Navigating Financial Realities
Nearly every nonprofit is reassessing funding streams—from grants and donations to fee-for-service income. While short-term survival occupies most leaders’ minds, boards must also think strategically and long-term. Do you preserve reserves or mobilize aggressively now, as opponents move swiftly?
Some nonprofits dramatically reduce expenses—staff, consultants, even food purchases—to reassure boards and ensure short-term survival. Others pull out all stops, expanding staff, maximizing credit lines, incurring debt, and risking everything now to meet the crisis head-on.
Many nonprofits hope private donors or wealthy foundations will replace lost federal funding. For instance, the MacArthur Foundation will significantly increase its giving over the next two years in response to the Trump administration’s funding freezes. They’ll expand giving from 5% to 6% of their endowment—a substantial sum.
Expanding Your Influence
Nonprofits have additional, innovative options beyond traditional advocacy. One powerful strategy is adding a 501(c)4 to your 501(c)(3) or even establishing a PAC. Each option offers distinct advantages (and some challenges) to amplify your mission and message. Donors are angry and motivated—rightfully so. Provide them multiple, clear pathways for impactful action. The c3-c4-PAC trifecta has tremendous potential if executed carefully and strategically.
The Moment is Now
While choices ahead may seem daunting, remember that nonprofits historically thrive in times of crisis and challenge. Your voice has never mattered more, your actions never carried greater potential for change.
Whether you choose patient engagement or revolutionary activism, there’s room for powerful impact. Responsibly spotlight the administration’s oppressive tactics and offer clear, constructive responses. Reach across divides to foster dialogue. Advocate courageously at every level. Explore new funding, partnerships, and advocacy structures to magnify your impact.
History has shown again and again that crisis creates opportunity—and nonprofits can lead the way toward progress. Your action today can protect the future of your mission and the values we share. The future we build begins now.