On March 5th, nonprofit leaders came together for a critical conversation on the challenges and opportunities shaping their work in this moment. Panelists reinforced a core truth: hope isn’t passive—it’s rooted in community, courage, and action. This resource distills key signals shaping the sector and the strategies leaders are prioritizing to sustain their organizations and communities for the long haul.

Signals Shaping the Work 

• A Shifting Policy and Funding Landscape – With federal contracts under review and donors pulling back, nonprofits face mounting uncertainty. Securing resources now requires sharper messaging and stronger partnerships.

• Fear is Being Weaponized – Threats and misinformation are driving vulnerable communities away from needed services. Nonprofits must remain steady, trusted sources of support.

• The Nonprofit Sector is Holding the Line – As efforts to roll back progress escalate, nonprofits are pushing forward. Cross-sector partnerships and grassroots resilience are more critical than ever.

Strategies for Sustaining & Thriving 

• Leading with Clarity and Care – Leaders are balancing honest, steady communication with strategic decision-making, ensuring their teams and communities remain grounded while navigating uncertainty. Care isn’t just a value—it’s a strategy for long-term resilience.
• Adapting and Building Collective Strength – Nonprofits are facing pressure to shift, retool, and find new pathways forward, but adaptation doesn’t mean going it alone. Organizations are leaning into partnerships, securing new allies, and working together to sustain impact in an unpredictable landscape.
• Staying Rooted in Purpose – This moment demands courage—not just to persist, but to stay true to why we do this work. Leaders are sharpening their focus on mission, resisting fear-driven retreat, and ensuring their organizations move forward with integrity and resolve.

Our Favorite Quotes

• "There will be losses along the way, but we can’t become fearful or paralyzed. If we do that, we will have already lost. What’s important right now is to be in community and strengthen community ties. We should be proactive in building trust in our personal and professional lives."
• "I am asking important questions. In this moment... What do I need to be the expert in? What are the 2-3 things I need to be laser focused on right now? What do I need to arm my team with in terms of knowledge and resources? What do we need in order to stay safe as an organization?"
• "There is something powerful about keeping doors open and delivering services to community members no matter what. It’s not saying, 'everything’s going to be okay,' but being able to say, 'we will be here either way.” Transparency, honesty, and vulnerability in not knowing what’s coming next inspires trust in those that we serve."
• "I often think back to when I was a student, and how I used to wonder who I would have been in big moments in history. This is one of those moments. History is being written right now, and it is time to lean into our mission and the moment. If you’re not going to lean in now, then why are you even doing it? This is the moment to bring the best of what you have – everyone needs to dig deep and bring their best selves."

This conversation made one thing clear: how we show up in this moment will define what comes next. The path forward requires clarity, courage, and collective action. It’s time to lean into our values, strengthen relationships, and take bold steps toward a thriving future. How will you apply these insights to your own work? What can we do together to sustain our communities and invest in local hope?

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If CRE can support your organization navigate the challenges ahead, we encourage you to reach out. Let’s navigate this moment and prepare for what’s ahead—together.