It has been quite a year already in the nonprofit sector (and it’s only May). As our partners remain rocked by major shifts in federal funding priorities, rising costs, and an uncertain economy slowing individual giving in many areas, we’ve been in conversation with many, many organizations and individuals who have shared their concerns about viability into the future.
That set the tone for our board conversations these past few months, as national organizations have called on philanthropies to sign on to various commitment letters intended to maintain equitable grantmaking practices and commitments throughout this season of upheaval. We are proud to be a signatory on the Meet the Moment Call to Action, jointly published by the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, National Center for Family Philanthropy, and Grantmakers for Effective Organizations. This call asks funders to: (1) Move in Solidarity with Nonprofits, (2) Mobilize Money in a Trust-Based Way, and (3) Nurture Possibility & Innovation.
In many ways, this call reflects our existing approach to funding. We have always aimed to operate from a place of trust. We have always calculated our distribution rate exclusive of allowable administrative costs. We have streamlined our grantmaking processes (in many cases, doing away with applications and formal reporting altogether) in the name of making funding decisions more quickly and in response to partner needs.
We don’t always get it right, but we remain committed to learning from and alongside our partners when we make a misstep, and adjusting for the days ahead.
In considering all of the above, we’ve made the difficult decision not to open our annual grants process for new applicants this year. The majority of our planned 2025 grantmaking budget was pre-committed in multi-year grants made in years prior, and while we’ve allocated additional resources to that budget this year, our intention is to double down on the support of the partners we are already working with and maintain grant dollars for emergency and unanticipated needs that may arise over the remainder of this calendar year.
This was not a decision made lightly, but rather, one based in respect for the time, energy and efforts of nonprofits across the communities we support; we don’t want to ask for inquiries we know we won’t fund. And as a small grantmaker (by all definitions) we want to prioritize the commitments and partnerships we already have in place before expanding beyond our existing capacity for supports.
We look forward to continuing conversations with partners old and new about how we can show up and work together to support the social sector and social safety nets designed to meet individuals in need with dignity, justice, and love.