The nonprofit sector is facing a challenging and uncertain landscape. The threat of federal funding cuts and shifting policies could have a major impact on our region. Many of our nonprofit partners are preparing for a period of financial uncertainty and impacts to their programs.

Our region’s nonprofit organizations provide critical and often unnoticed support that keeps our community strong—from early childhood education to food security, housing to ecosystem health, care for our aging population to mental health support for youth.

These nonprofits are now grappling with policy changes, budget shortfalls, inflationary pressures, and anticipating an increase in demand for their services as funding cuts and layoffs are happening.

While private philanthropy cannot fully step in to replace the loss of public funding, the NoCo Foundation and our donors and partners can play a vital role in sustaining and strengthening our region’s nonprofit sector.

Here are a few recommendations for both individual and institutional philanthropists to consider:

  1. Reach Out to the Nonprofits You Support – It is important to check in with the organizations you care about to ask what they need most right now. A simple conversation can go a long way. Understanding their immediate and long-term needs can help you align your giving in the most effective way possible. Don’t be afraid to ask them how they are doing, recognizing these challenges have also been difficult for their staff and board members too.
  2. Increase Your Support – We can all play an important role in helping nonprofits navigate this crisis and minimize disruptions to their critical services. If you are able to give, now is the time to increase your support. This follows a similar conversation happening among many private foundations (both locally and nationally) that are increasing their annual payout rate.
  3. Make Your Support Flexible – If you truly believe in the organization and its mission then you should give them the flexibility to deploy those dollars where they are needed most in the community. Providing flexible, unrestricted funding allows these organizations to remain responsive, resilient, and effective in their work. You may also consider making a multiyear gift, which allows the nonprofit to plan more effectively by focusing less on fundraising and more on its mission.
  4. Invest in Advocacy and Community Organizing – While much of charitable giving is allocated toward direct services that help individuals and families to meet basic needs, philanthropy can also support advocacy and organizing that can help shift policies and practices at both the local and national level. Investing in advocacy groups is a great way to ensure that your philanthropy aligns with your values and to ensure that the causes you care about have the support they need to continue their important work in the community.
  5. Invest in Nonprofit Resilience & Infrastructure – Nonprofits need more than just funding—they need strategic investments in organizational infrastructure that will allow them to weather economic uncertainty and adapt to ongoing challenges. If you are passionate about long-term impact, consider directing some of your giving to capacity-building efforts, such as leadership training, strategic legal counsel, or communications support. These investments can ensure that organizations are equipped to meet urgent needs, advocate effectively, and continue delivering meaningful impact across our region for the foreseeable future.
  6. Partner with the NoCo Foundation – As your community foundation, we believe in the power of community, and we stand in solidarity with our nonprofit partners providing critical programs and services to our neighbors who need it most. We are in constant communication with partners from across the region to understand the urgent and emerging needs they are facing.We remain committed to the values that have guided our work to build a stronger and resilient region where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. You can partner with us and support our efforts to make strategic investments in response to today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges. You can also reach out to our team to learn more about specific needs and opportunities to support the work in your local community and across the region.Together, we can make a difference.
  7. Stay Engaged and Advocate – Beyond financial support, your voice matters. Engage in conversations about the value of nonprofit work, advocate for policies that strengthen the sector, and stay informed about the challenges and opportunities facing philanthropy in our region.A few examples of this include:
    • Stay informed and combat the spread of misinformation by attending Town Hall meetings or informational webinars about local issues impacting nonprofit partners in your community.
    • Donate your time! Whether you’re a weekend volunteer or offering your professional expertise, donating your time can be a great way to support a nonprofit partner’s work and ongoing mission.
    • Join us for a community event! The NoCo Foundation regularly hosts events around the causes and organizations most relevant to our region. Reach out to our team to find opportunities to engage with community partners in your neighborhood.

Your generosity has always played a vital role in shaping strong, vibrant communities across Northern and Eastern Colorado. As we navigate these uncertain times together, your continued support, leadership, and advocacy will be more important than ever.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to philanthropy. If you have questions about how to maximize your impact, the NoCo Foundation is here to help.