Marin Voice: Stand strong against political threats to critical services

The week of Jan. 27 felt like a dangerous roller coaster ride.

It started with the Trump administration’s pause on federal financial assistance. Then came the White House memo to clarify that some critical aid programs like Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, federal student loans, Pell Grants and Section 8 rental assistance would be exempt. Following legal challenges, a federal court temporarily blocked the funding freeze for existing grants and cooperative agreements, which was followed by the two-line memo to rescind the order.

The nonprofit sector serves as a vital safety net, particularly for communities disproportionately affected by economic instability and systemic inequities. Yet, the irresponsible and likely illegal funding freeze demonstrated how quickly that safety net can be threatened. The pause caused operational chaos, wasted precious time and resources, and created anxiety for nonprofit leaders and staff already stretched thin.

The freeze was framed as a review to align funding with administration priorities. It threatened essential services for vulnerable communities provided by organizations addressing housing, food security, child care and climate resilience. Uncertainty over funding disrupts operations and jeopardizes support for those in need. For most organizations, even temporary disruptions can have long-term ripple effects.

The nonprofit sector’s swift and unified response to the funding freeze played a key role in reversing the decision. However, while we wait for what comes next, nonprofits must remain vigilant.

Organizations should contact their grant and agreement officers to determine if their funding is affected. Legal guidance is crucial in this process. Nonprofits should work with legal counsel to determine if their funding is protected under existing laws or regulations. They should also stay engaged with elected officials, ensuring they understand how federal funding impacts essential services.

We are confident that the nonprofit sector’s unified response and swift mobilization played a key role in reversing this decision, proving that collective advocacy makes a difference. Our voice and actions make a difference; the administration remains fully committed to defunding the work targeted in the executive orders; in the coming days, weeks, months and years, this will happen again.

At the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership, we are taking proactive steps to support the nonprofit community. We are convening discussions with local elected officials to advocate for funding protections and clear guidance for affected organizations. We are partnering with nonprofit leaders to share updates and coordinate advocacy efforts. Additionally, we are hosting free training sessions focused on nonprofit funding security, legal considerations and financial resilience.

The funding freeze, while currently averted, is a stark reminder of the need for preparedness and resilience. Nonprofits must not only adopt strategies to mitigate risks but also build stronger partnerships within their communities. At the same time, policymakers must recognize the indispensable role nonprofits play and commit to protecting the funding that allows these organizations to operate.

Advocacy must be a continuous effort, not a reactive one. Nonprofits, funders and community members all have a role to play in protecting the critical work that sustains our communities. By working together, we can amplify our voices and ensure that nonprofits remain resilient in the face of political and financial uncertainty.

We urge everyone to stand with nonprofits by advocating, supporting and spreading awareness. Nonprofits are the backbone of our communities, providing hope and stability during times of crisis. Together, we can ensure their work continues to thrive, even amid challenges.

For updates, resources and ways to get involved, visit cvnl.org.

This message is supported by the Bay Area Nonprofit Executive Forum, which includes: San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Executive Director Tanis Crosby; Homeward Bound of Marin Chief Executive Officer Paul Fordham; Marin Child Care Council Executive Director Aideen Gaidmore; Side by Side CEO Christine Isana Garcia; Agricultural Institute of Marin CEO Andy Naja-Riese; North Marin Community Services CEO Cheryl Paddack; and Center for Domestic Peace Executive Director Tara Peterson.

For a comprehensive and up-to-date report on how the executive orders affect nonprofits, visit bit.ly/4hun2uh.

Linda Jacobs is CEO for the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership.