For many of the nonprofits we work with, 2025 has already been a year of highs and lows.
First, the highs: The dust has settled from end-of-year campaigns, and we’ve been thrilled to see what some of our clients have accomplished:
- beEmboldened raised $20,000, including a major gift that will fund critical initiatives for survivors of spiritual abuse.
- Good Works Collective surpassed their $300,000 to offer training in trades, medical fields, and administration!
- Prestige Learning Institute raised over $170,000 for immigrant and refugee families.
- Nery’s Promise sent out one short end-of-year message and raised over $13,000 from a single email!
The momentum is real (and all the organizations above still need critical funding to get them through 2025!). But even with these wins, the past few weeks have been a rollercoaster for many organizations.
As you may know, the Trump administration issued a freeze on federal grants last Tuesday (1/28).
For organizations heavily reliant on federal funding, this was an emergency. Not just for them, but for the millions who depend on their services.
Thankfully, the freeze was rescinded – for now.
But some federally-funded organizations – such as refugee resettlement agencies – are still facing massive budget cuts. This leaves thousands of newly arrived, legal refugees with nowhere to turn to. Privately funded organizations – such as Prestige Learning Institute and Houston Welcomes Refugees – are needed now more than ever to fill the gaps created by federal budget cuts.
At Solace Media, we want to do everything we can to help our clients stay stable, even in uncertain times.
Here are a few strategies that we recommend exploring in the coming months:
- Grow your monthly donor base. The start of the year is the perfect time to launch or re-launch a recurring giving program and build a foundation of dependable revenue.
- Explore corporate partnerships and sponsorships. Businesses are looking for meaningful ways to give back. Make it easy for them to understand how they can be a part of the solution to the problem you solve.
- Seek local grants. Federal funding may be unpredictable, but local opportunities can provide stability.
- Ask for help. It can feel uncomfortable to ask for more money from donors who already support your organization. But many donors are eager to give when presented with a direct need. Don’t be afraid to ask!
Even though the federal grant freeze has been lifted, the thought of so many nonprofits – and their communities – being affected has been keeping us up at night.
The Landing, which our founder Natasha co-founded, receives about 35% in federal grant funding and would have been devastated by the proposed freeze. One of our team members’ spouses has already been laid off.
One thing is clear: The next few years will be full of uncertainty for nonprofit organizations. We can’t control what happens in Washington, but we’re committed to doing everything we can to help nonprofits thrive.
If we can support your organization in any way – whether it’s answering a quick question, making a connection, giving feedback on a campaign, or something else – just reach out.
We’re in this together.
Christian Hinojosa
Communications Strategist
Solace Media