Federal Funding Uncertainty: How to Assess the Risks and Respond Strategically (with Lauren Steiner, Anne Newland, and Beth Silverstein)

A series of rapid-fire decisions by the Trump administration sent shockwaves through the nonprofit sector, leaving many organizations uncertain about the future of their federal grants. In today's episode, our expert panel explores strategies nonprofits can implement to assess the challenges they face and survive potential funding cuts. With insights on collaboration, donor communication, impact assessments, and advocacy, this episode offers a lifeline to nonprofits facing unprecedented challenges. Listen here:

Episode highlights include:

• Conducting impact reports for each grant to assess the risk to your programs and mission.
• Contingency planning and strategic questions for nonprofits to consider.
• Why you need to communicate with funders now and not wait.
• An example of scenario planning, including drafting letters for staff and pursuing a bond placement.
• Transparency with staff and providing resources for job transitions.
• Building relationships with funders and adapting grant applications to current circumstances.
• The need for nonprofits to join forces and collaborate.
• The importance of advocacy with state and local legislators.
• Engage long-time supporters in strategic planning and advocacy efforts.
• Speak up and do not be silent about the impact of funding cuts on your community. 

Special Offer: Free 30-minute consultation for NPFX listeners

Additional Resources

• IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library
• [NPFX] Nonprofit Collaboration: The Power of Partnership
• 4 Ideas for Finding Collaborations That Expand Your Nonprofit’s Reach and Impact
• [NPFX] The Intersection of Organizational Wellness and Impact
• [NPFX] How to Prevent Nonprofit Staff Burnout and Create a Culture of Wellness

Subscribe to NPFX

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Audible

Guests

Elizabeth Silverstein has served the not-for-profit sector for more than 40 years, specializing in transformational giving, vision casting, inspiring boards, and building passionate, effective teams. Beth has been instrumental in cultivating major gifts for capital campaigns in healthcare, two presidential libraries, higher education, K-12 independent schools, and social service organizations. With an ardent passion for protecting and propelling the nonprofit sector, Beth has joined the team at VisionConnect, a consultancy specializing in strategic planning, coalition building, governance excellence, and nonprofit capacity building. A BoardSource-certified Governance Consultant, she is passionate about coaching boards toward purpose-driven leadership and crafting bold strategic plans that drive maximum mission impact.

Lauren Steiner is the Founder and CEO of Grants Plus, the nation’s leading grant consulting firm, specializing in securing grant funding for healthcare organizations. With over 20 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit development, Lauren has led her team in winning hundreds of millions in funding for clients. Lauren has contributed to key philanthropic initiatives, including The Giving Institute and the Generosity Commission and formerly co-chaired the editorial board of Giving USA. She has been an avid presenter on grant-seeking topics, both in person and virtually, for AFP, Grants Professionals Association (GPA), The Giving Institute/Giving USA, the Chronicle of Philanthropy, as well as a frequent guest on podcasts including GrantStation, Blackbaud's Engage Podcast, Successful Nonprofits, and more. Lauren is known for her practical, real-world approach to grant-seeking, ensuring attendees walk away with actionable takeaways.

Anne Newland, MD, MPH has spent her career as a physician and executive in the primary care safety net. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for North Country HealthCare, a federally-qualified community health center with clinics in 11 communities in northern Arizona. She trained in Internal Medicine-Pediatrics at the University of Tennessee-Memphis, served as Chief Resident for Internal Medicine at UT, and later completed a Master in Public Health degree at Harvard School of Public Health as a Commonwealth Fund Fellow in Minority Health Policy. Dr. Newland launched a community-based Family Medicine residency program in 2020 and is planning a Psychiatry residency program to train psychiatrists in rural northern Arizona. Dr. Newland has served on many community boards and, and she has worked with elected officials and other stakeholders to create new pathways to fund graduate medical education.

Hosts

Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics.

Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. In his role as senior consultant with IPM Advancement, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in major gifts program management, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development.