Thank you for all you do to help make Whatcom County a place where everyone can thrive.
Combined, local nonprofits touch the lives of every person in Whatcom County. Our communities would look and be very different without you.
These are uncertain and difficult times as the Federal administration undertakes major changes to funding, as well as laws and regulations. We understand it’s extra stressful for people and organizations already under intense pressure. We are doing our best to keep organizations informed and will continue to rely on our state and national partners to have the most current information.
We’re communicating with our federal representatives to ensure they know how changes at the federal level are impacting local organizations. We’re also communicating with donors and encouraging them to give more. Lastly and most importantly, we’re available to work with organizations as you think through options.
What you can do now:
1. Don’t panic, breathe, take care of yourselves. To reduce fear, communicate what you can with staff.
2. Fill out the Whatcom County impacts survey to help us measure effects and concerns, and direct advocacy efforts.
3. Run scenario plans and engage in discussions with your board and staff leaders. If all your federal funds were reduced or eliminated, what changes would you need to make to program services, staffing, or other expenses to remain viable? Keep in mind that the original funding source may not be obvious. Some federal funds come through intermediaries like state or local government or other nonprofits.
4. Start documenting how you anticipate this impacting your organization.
5. Ensure any communications you receive from federal agencies are legitimate.
6. Do a reality-based risk assessment. Understand your legal requirements and exposure.
7. Keep donors, volunteers and other supporters informed about your organization’s challenges, concerns and needs as well as the good news: your successes and ways you’re navigating uncertainty.
Helpful Links & Resources
National Council of Nonprofits
Executive Orders Affecting Charitable Nonprofits Chart | National Council on Nonprofits
Frequently Asked Questions on Executive Actions Impacting Nonprofits | National Council on Nonprofits
The Impacts of the Recent Executive Orders on Nonprofits | National Council on Nonprofits
Challenging Times: How U.S. Nonprofit Leaders are Experiencing the Political Context | The Center for Effective Philanthropy
Advisory to Nonprofit Organizations and Social Services Providers Regarding Immigration Enforcement | Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
A Guide for Employers: What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace | NILC, 2024
Protecting Immigrants from ICE Enforcement | California Primary Care Association
WARRANTS AND SUBPOENAS What to Look Out For and How to Respond | NILC, 2020
Supporting Spaces of Joy, Belonging, and Leadership for LGTBQ+ Youth | Pride Foundation
Share Your Experience
What began as an urgent response to the federal funding freeze has become an ongoing effort to track community concerns and gather valuable feedback from our Whatcom Nonprofit Partners.
Your input will help us and other funders—public, institutional, and individual donors—assess the potential impacts of these ongoing actions and help determine the best ways to support local nonprofits and the communities you serve.
Subscribe to the Whatcom Nonprofit Network newsletter
WCF publishes a monthly newsletter geared toward Whatcom area nonprofit professionals. Add yourself to the list to stay informed!
