Navigating Today’s Political & Social Climate as a Small Nonprofit
The nonprofit sector has always been deeply connected to the social and political environment around it. For small and emerging organizations, the challenges of today’s climate—the political polarization, funding uncertainties, shifting public priorities, communities we may serve being under direct threat—can feel especially heavy. I see and feel that heaviness around me every day.
At the same time, small organizations often prove to be the most resilient, creative, and community-driven voices in times of change. If you’re leading or building a small nonprofit right now, you’re not alone in navigating this moment. I have put together some reflections and practical strategies to help you stay grounded and effective.
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Understanding the Landscape
Today’s political and social dynamics shape everything from funding to community trust. New laws and policies can change, and are changing, eligibility for grants or redefine compliance obligations. Social shifts—including rising hostility toward marginalized communities—can put nonprofits in the spotlight, sometimes for reasons you didn't ask for. For smaller organizations with limited capacity, these pressures can feel magnified. But naming them is the first step toward addressing them.
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Staying Rooted in Mission
In challenging times, your mission is your compass. When external forces pull you in different directions—whether it’s a funder’s restrictions or a sudden social controversy—returning to your mission helps you decide what aligns and what distracts. Resist the temptation to chase every new funding stream or shift your focus too quickly. Adaptation is important, but “mission drift” erodes trust with your community. Ground your decisions in your core values, and you’ll be better positioned to weather uncertainty. That said, pay attention to the community you serve-what do THEY need and want from you? Within the context of your mission, it is also important to be responsive to the community you serve.
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Building Community Resilience
Hands down, strong relationships are one of the greatest assets a small nonprofit can have. Partnerships with peer organizations, coalitions, and grassroots groups can provide stability and shared strength, not to mention reinforce community trust. Ask yourself: Who else is doing similar or complementary work? What resources could we share? Could we co-host programs or combine advocacy efforts? Community resilience isn’t about doing everything alone—it’s about weaving a stronger net together.
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Advocacy and Voice
In a time when we are faced with so many issues that directly impact the people we serve, and even our own organizations, when and where to use your voice, can be a scary and even lonely undertaking. However, for many small nonprofits, the question isn’t whether to speak up, but how. Advocacy can feel risky in a polarized environment, but silence can also be costly.
Stay mindful of nonprofit regulations, but remember: you are allowed to educate, inform, and mobilize your community around issues connected to your mission. Even small steps—like issuing statements, participating in coalitions, or offering resources—can amplify your impact without overextending your capacity.
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Funding in an Uncertain Climate
Funding is always a challenge, but today’s climate adds extra complications. Shifting priorities around DEI, government policy changes, economic uncertainty, and even donor fatigue mean nonprofits need to be creative and intentional.
Diversify where you can. Whatever you do, don't put all of your dollars in one basket. I get it-we all dream of those big dollar grants and gifts. They can be game-changing! But that giving is not what will sustain your organization long-term. Pursue and build multiple funding streams. Combine grassroots donations with foundation support, individual giving with corporate partnerships, and so on. Build relationships rooted in trust—donors want to know how their support connects directly to community impact. Transparency and storytelling can go a long way in keeping your funding base steady. Make sure that your community-and your supporters-know what work you are doing, and the impact that your organization has.
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Internal Culture and Care
It’s not just about surviving as an organization—it’s about supporting the people who make your work possible. Staff and volunteers may be directly affected by political or social hostility. Nonprofits that prioritize care, equity, and sustainability internally are better equipped to continue their external impact.
Consider trauma-informed practices, check-ins, and creating space for people to step back when needed. The well-being of your team is a crucial part of long-term resilience.
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Practical Tools for Adaptation
Even with limited capacity, small nonprofits can take proactive steps to prepare for uncertainty:
-Scenario Planning: Map out a few possible futures (e.g., funding cuts, new regulations) and how your organization could respond. This is especially useful to do when budgeting for the next fiscal year. Create two or three budgets based on worse-case scenario, typical status quo, and maybe even a dream budget that includes all of the revenue streams you are hoping for. It’s work, but so helpful in mapping out the uncertainties facing the nonprofit sector these days.
-Flexible Strategic Planning: Instead of a rigid 5-year plan, create shorter-term plans that you revisit regularly. One, two, and three year plans. I find this to be helpful in uncertain times because, let’s be honest, with so many unknowns, it can be really difficult to even envision five years from now, much less put a plan together for it. Planning for smaller periods of time can help take the overwhelm out of it.
-Clear Communications: Have a plan for responding to crises or controversies so you’re not caught off guard. Identify who will be the spokesperson for your organization and make sure that whoever that may be, is practiced in engaging with the media, partners, and stakeholders. Have protocols for how media inquiries are handled, and by who. Write these down and make sure that everyone on your team knows and can find them.
These tools don’t eliminate uncertainty, but they give you a framework for meeting it with confidence.
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Closing Thoughts
Small nonprofits are often the first to feel the weight of political and social upheaval—but they are also some of the most powerful forces for community resilience. By staying grounded in mission, leaning into partnerships, advocating with courage, and caring for your people, you can continue to serve your community even in turbulent times.
Your work matters. In fact, it may matter now more than ever.