tools to help your nonprofit stay strong

Nonprofits are facing an unpredictable landscape - federal funding is being frozen and unfrozen without warning, grant revenue is uncertain, and sustainability is at risk. The instability has left many organizations wondering what’s next and how to prepare.

Now is the time for action. Whether you're navigating funding disruptions, strengthening financial resilience, or ensuring long-term sustainability, this toolkit provides the strategies and resources you need to stay strong in uncertain times.

Jump to Templates, Worksheets and Guides

Web Resources

• Upcoming Webinar: DEI Insights and Practical Guidance for Nonprofits (link to sign up)

  • Date: Tuesday, March 11

  • Time: 12:00–1:30 PM ET.

    As recent Executive Orders reshape the landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, nonprofit organizations must navigate new challenges and legal considerations.

    Join Simpson Thacher, Lawyers Alliance for New York, and NYLPI for this critical virtual program designed to provide practical guidance on how nonprofits can adapt, remain compliant, and continue advancing DEI initiatives in this evolving policy environment.

• NonProfit PRO (https://www.nonprofitpro.com) – Offers actionable fundraising strategies and nonprofit leadership insights to help organizations become more financially independent.

• Center for Effective Philanthropy (https://cep.org) – Offers data-driven insights on how funders and nonprofits can adapt to shifting political and economic challenges. Provides research on donor behavior, foundation strategies, and nonprofit sustainability in times of uncertainty.

• National Council on Nonprofits (https://www.councilofnonprofits.org) – Tracks federal funding freezes, policy changes, and legislative threats to nonprofit funding. Provides critical updates on executive orders and advocacy efforts to push back against harmful policies.

• Alliance for Justice (https://afj.org) – Offers legal resources and advocacy strategies for nonprofits facing threats to funding, IRS scrutiny, or political attacks.

• Nonprofit Quarterly (https://nonprofitquarterly.org) – Investigates the impact of political decisions on nonprofit funding and provides in-depth analysis on how organizations can adapt.

• The Chronicle of Philanthropy (https://www.philanthropy.com) – Covers breaking news, legal challenges, and funding shifts affecting nonprofits under the Trump administration.

• Candid (Formerly Foundation Center & GuideStar) (https://candid.org) – Provides tools for researching alternative funding sources, tracking grants, and ensuring financial transparency amid federal cutbacks.

• Inside Philanthropy (https://www.insidephilanthropy.com) – Monitors trends in major giving and foundation funding, helping nonprofits shift their fundraising strategies in response to government defunding.

• BoardSource (https://boardsource.org) – Provides governance guidance to help nonprofit boards navigate crises, engage in advocacy, and stabilize operations in uncertain times.

Templates, Worksheets, and Guides

Contingency Planning Template
Proactive preparation is key to navigating uncertainty. This template helps your nonprofit develop scenario-based response plans for funding disruptions, policy changes, and operational challenges. It guides you through scenario planning, response strategies, and implementation timelines for different crisis situations – from sudden funding cuts to increased service demands. Designed for use by a small action team, this tool ensures your organization can respond quickly and effectively while maintaining long-term sustainability. Download