Message From the President & CEO
Advocacy has been on my mind a lot this summer. I recently had coffee with a program officer at a private family foundation. His career path ventured into philanthropy after years of lobbying for nonprofits serving people living in poverty, and he became frustrated with incremental change and nonprofits’ reticence to advocate more vocally and forcefully for their sector and the people they served. He eventually moved into philanthropy as a way to move the needle.
His story fascinated me. Years of supporting movement building organizations taught me that policy change is often slow and incremental. A career in nonprofits taught me that the sector writ large does not understand advocacy and often fears it. But what surprised me was the belief that working in philanthropy was a form of advocacy that could achieve the kind of change at a scale and pace that he believed was necessary and possible.
At a time when proposed government funding cuts threaten the stability of essential services, nonprofit advocacy is not optional—it is imperative. Nonprofits serve as a vital bridge between public policy and community need, ensuring that the voices of those most impacted are heard and considered. When funding is reduced, it is not abstract line items that disappear; it is afterschool programs, housing support, food access, and critical health services. Advocacy allows us to elevate these realities and remind decision-makers that investments in communities are investments in our collective future.
As leaders and partners in the nonprofit sector, we have both the responsibility and the opportunity to engage in informed, strategic advocacy. This includes building relationships with policymakers, mobilizing stakeholders, and using data and lived experience to shape more equitable outcomes. Advocacy is also an act of stewardship—protecting the integrity of our missions and the sustainability of the programs our communities rely on. In moments of uncertainty, our collective voice becomes one of the most powerful tools we have to influence decisions and safeguard progress.
Now is the time to act with clarity and conviction. We must stand together across organizations, sectors, and communities to ensure that critical resources are not diminished but strengthened. By engaging in advocacy, we affirm our commitment not only to the people we serve today but to a more just and resilient future for all. I encourage each of you to lend your voice, share your story, and remain steadfast in advancing the work that matters most. Read on for ways you can advocate — they are all quick and easy to do.
Take Action: Protect Federal Grant Funding for Nonprofits
The federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed a sweeping overhaul of federal grant rules under 2 CFR, renaming the “Uniform Guidance” as the “Uniform Grants Regulation.” The proposal would give the revised rules independent regulatory authority and tighten oversight of federal assistance. Of nearly 500,000 comments on these proposed changes, an analysis found that the vast majority (95%) were in opposition.
Despite the widespread outcry, the OMB has signaled it would move forward with the changes. Please urge your representatives to ask the White House to rescind or, at a minimum, delay these changes until stakeholder feedback can be fully reviewed and incorporated. Contact your Members of Congress about the federal grant rule changes to use your voice.
Further Reading
August Recess: A Critical Window of Opportunity for Nonprofit Advocacy
The National Network to End Domestic Violence has released an action alert calling on congress to address ongoing federal funding delays.
Federal funding is critical to ensuring survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault can access lifesaving services and support. Funding delays have real and immediate consequences for survivors and the programs they depend on.
Congress must tell the U.S. Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to:
1️⃣ Immediately publish all the delayed Notices of Funding Opportunity.
2️⃣ Expedite the release of congressionally appropriated Family Violence Prevention and Services Act
Survivors can’t wait. Take action today to protect survivor funding.
Register for The Final Ask Me Anything About Grants Event for 2026
On Tuesday, August 4th from 12:00 PM ET, we’re hosting another free, no-slides, no-jargon Grant Funding Ask Me Anything, and if grants are part of your work this year, this is your chance to build on what we covered last time and get straight answers for your organization.
This session is designed for nonprofit leaders, “accidental” grant managers, and small teams juggling grants alongside everything else on their plates.
If you’re trying to strengthen your grant strategy in a more competitive, more complex funding landscape, this conversation is for you.
📅Tuesday, August 4th
🕛12:00 PM ET
💻Virtual
🎟 Free
Save your seat for the free grant funding Q&A
Bring your coffee, come with your toughest grant questions, and leave with clearer next steps for making grants work in a more competitive, relationship-driven funding environment.
New Service Launch
In today’s nonprofit landscape—marked by shrinking government funding, economic uncertainty, and intense grant competition—we’re excited to announce brand-new services designed to supercharge your funding success and fuel your nonprofit’s work to provide health and human services and build movements for progress.
Visit our new services page to learn more. These innovative offerings will equip your nonprofit with cutting-edge strategies to navigate grant funding trends, secure resilient grant revenue streams, and amplify your mission’s impact amid heightened scrutiny and grant maker selectivity. Want to learn more? Email me or complete our Work With Us form, and we’ll start the conversation.
Call for Authors: Resilient Futures Blog Series:
Resilient Georgia is seeking authors for its 2026–2027 Resilient Futures blog campaign, a statewide series focused on youth mental health and well-being. Youth ages 14–26, parents, caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, advocates, researchers, and community leaders are invited to share personal stories, professional insights, and evidence-based approaches that help young people build resilience and thrive.
For more information, contact nwarner@resilientga.org.
$500 Credit Per Referral
We have space to help new nonprofit clients! We love helping nonprofits that work in health, human services, and movement building, with operating budgets of $2M or more. To refer a client and earn a $500 credit if they sign a contract, make an email introduction to betty@resurgensimpact.com
Need Grant Support?
Get help from a team of expert grant consultants who have helped over 100 nonprofits raise more than $161 million in grant funds. Fill out this brief form and we will send a link to schedule a free consultation call!
