How Social Justice Nonprofits Can Navigate Challenges Under the Trump Administration
The next four years will bring significant challenges for nonprofits working in social justice spaces. Grassroots organizations serving immigrant and refugee populations, championing environmental conservation, advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and reproductive rights, or addressing intersectional inequalities are likely to face heightened scrutiny, funding shifts, and policy rollbacks.
If you’re a grassroots nonprofit, these challenges may feel overwhelming. At Beckie Irvin Consulting and Research, we’re committed to help you prepare with practical, actionable strategies tailored for small and midsize organizations.
Here’s what you can do now to protect your mission, support your community, and ensure compliance with your 501c(3) status.
1. Understand Advocacy vs. Lobbying in Nonprofit Work
501(c)(3) nonprofits can and should engage in advocacy—but it’s critical to avoid activities that might jeopardize your tax-exempt status.
What’s Allowed?
You can educate your community, share research, and raise awareness about issues affecting your mission. For example, organizing community workshops about LGBTQIA+ rights or hosting a public forum about environmental justice is perfectly acceptable.
What to Avoid
Avoid endorsing political candidates, donating to campaigns, or directly lobbying legislators. If you’re unsure about specific activities, consult a nonprofit attorney or compliance expert.
Tip: Keep detailed records of all advocacy activities and ensure they align with IRS guidelines.
2. Strengthen Community Support
Grassroots organizations thrive on strong community connections. Focus on deepening relationships and meeting immediate needs.
Here are some ways your nonprofit can strengthen community support:
Expand tangible services where possible. For example, if you serve immigrant communities, ensure access to legal resources or mental health services.
Position your organization as a safe space—whether physical or virtual—for marginalized groups seeking support.
Ensure the communities you serve have a seat at the table in decision-making processes.
Want to learn more? Check out this in-depth workshop by Beckie Irvin and Rachel Olzer, Executive Director of All Bikes Welcome—a nonprofit dedicated to building racial equity and gender diversity in cycling.
3. Diversify Your Funding Sources
Federal funding may become less accessible, but grassroots nonprofits can survive and thrive by tapping into diverse revenue streams. Let’s explore how you can diversify your funding sources for your social justice-focused nonprofit.
Prioritize Individual Giving
Build relationships with individual donors through storytelling and regular updates about your impact.
Seek Grants from Private Foundations
Focus on funders who align with your mission. Check out our grant writing resources below:
Explore Earned Income Opportunities
Offer workshops or create programs that generate income while advancing your mission.
4. Focus on Advocacy Through Education
Education is one of the most powerful tools for social change—and it keeps you in compliance with 501(c)(3) rules. Here are some examples of ways that you can advocate for your cause while maintaining compliance.
Write and publish blogs.
Host webinars on a video streaming platform.
Produce videos about the issues your community faces.
Collaborate with other organizations to broaden your educational reach.
Invest in systems that track outcomes and use data to tell the stories of those impacted by your nonprofit.
5. Prepare for Policy Changes
Stay informed about legislative and regulatory developments, and be ready to adapt. Subscribe to newsletters or alerts from organizations tracking policies affecting your work.
Train your team to prepare staff for changes that could impact your operations. Together, you can anticipate potential challenges, such as funding cuts or increased demand for services, and create strategies to address them.
6. Engage Your Board
Ensure board members are equipped to support fundraising, advocacy, and governance during this time.
7. Collaborate with Other Organizations
Partnerships can help you expand your reach and share resources.
Collaborations, when executed thoughtfully and in alignment with community needs not only increase nonprofit impact, but they also strengthen grant proposals. Effective collaborations are a sign of a mature nonprofit and are a “green flag” for nonprofits seeking philanthropic support.
Join Coalitions
Partner with nonprofits addressing similar issues to pool knowledge and amplify your advocacy.
Engage Pro Bono Services
Seek support from legal, financial, and communications professionals who can offer their expertise at no cost.
It is also a good idea to set aside funds for these services if your budget allows. If not this year, plan to fundraise a little extra this year, so you can hire these consultants in upcoming years. If you need help preparing to pay for these expenses, reach out to us and we’ll see if we can assist in fundraising for these services.
Final Thoughts
The road ahead will be challenging, but grassroots nonprofits are uniquely positioned to create meaningful change. That’s one of the reasons I love working with them so much!
By focusing on community support, diversifying funding, and strengthening organizational capacity, you can continue to fulfill your mission while navigating the evolving landscape.