131: Everything Turned Out Fine? | Major Funding Changes with the Trump Administration

131: Everything Turned Out Fine? | Major Funding Changes with the Trump Administration

Author: Jess Birken, MNM, JD February 6, 2025 Duration: 19:38

Hey there, it's Jess, and I'm so glad you're tuning in to this episode of Charity Therapy. We're diving into the choppy waters of nonprofit funding, especially with all the political changes shaking things up. Meghan and I are here to help you navigate these uncertain times.

We'll talk about the crucial role federal funding plays in supporting nonprofits, particularly those focused on important causes like racial justice and reproductive rights. Plus, we'll chat about how economic factors like inflation could change how donors think about giving.

Feeling a bit panicky about the potential funding shifts? You're not alone! We know it's easy to let fear take the wheel, but we've got some tips to keep you grounded. We'll discuss why separating your emotional reactions from strategic planning is essential. We'll also cover the importance of having a backup plan and knowing when to make tough decisions, like prioritizing staff retention or preparing for the worst-case scenario. We'll even tackle a real-life question from a social services agency board member about adapting funding strategies in these unpredictable times.

Grab a cup of coffee (or maybe something stronger), and join us as we explore the world of nonprofit funding. We'll laugh, we'll commiserate, and most importantly, we'll share strategies to help you stay resilient and prepared for whatever comes your way. So, if you're ready to face the funding rollercoaster with a bit of humor and a whole lot of heart, hit play, and let's dive in!

In this episode, you will hear:

  • What we know (or don't know) about upcoming changes to federal nonprofit funding
  • The vital role of federal dollars in supporting nonprofits, especially those focusing on hot topics like racial justice and reproductive rights
  • Keeping calm and planning ahead instead of letting panic steer the ship
  • What is "rage giving" and how it might change with today's economic challenges, like inflation and corporate decisions like Target's recent DEI pullback
  • A board member's question sparks an honest talk about diversification struggles and how to prepare for the unexpected
  • How to get to know your nonprofit's financial picture. What's your backup plan if the money train derails?

Resources from this Episode

Download our 2025 Survival Guide for nonprofits: www.birkenlaw.com/2025-survival-guide  

Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/birkenlaw

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.


Ever find yourself wishing for a direct line to seasoned nonprofit leaders, a chance to unpack the real challenges that don’t make it into the glossy annual reports? Charity Therapy is that conversation. With host Jess Birken, who brings her background as a lawyer and a Master of Nonprofit Management to the table, each session feels like pulling up a chair with a trusted advisor. The discussions move beyond theory, tackling the granular details of operations that leaders actually face-whether it’s navigating a tricky IRS compliance question, rebuilding a fundraising strategy from the ground up, or managing the complex interpersonal dynamics that define any mission-driven team. This podcast digs into the operational heart of the sector, offering pragmatic insights you can apply directly to your own work. It’s a resource built on the understanding that running a nonprofit is a continuous practice of problem-solving, and Jess guides these explorations with clarity and a deep respect for the work. Tune in for honest dialogue that treats the daily grind of management as the serious and nuanced craft that it is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Charity Therapy
Podcast Episodes
Let's Keep This Private [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:37
The nonprofit world throws out that "501(c)(3)" moniker left and right – but what does that really mean? The IRS doesn't always communicate in ways the average person can (or should!) understand. So let's break it down –…
Follow the Money [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:22
Just because your organization is striving to do good, thatdoesn'tmean you're exempt from having todeal with trolls and scammers. There's no scam exemption application you can file! So, what can YOU doto make sure the no…
It's Like an Onion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:51
Executive committees – what should they really do anyway? Spoiler alert – not as much as you think! Some nonprofit boards have a nasty habit of relying on an executive committee to be the board within the board, and that…
TLDR: Y'all Need Protection! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:07
You can't (and shouldn't!) envision every bad thing that might happen at a nonprofit. Nobody's got time for that! But you do need to be prepared and protected – and that means insurance! We're pulling this episode out of…
Periods of Baldness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:32
There's this phrase "no man is an island." Well, guess what – no nonprofit is an island, either. In this episode, we're talking about the different ways people try to hack the board of directors and hoard all the control…
Making Ch-ch-ch-changes! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:08
No one gets into nonprofit work because they LOVE all the paperwork, but that doesn't mean you're exempt from doing it (sorry!). There are some core documents that every nonprofit needs to keep up with – especially when…
Size Matters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:29
Nonprofits need to have a board - but how is that board supposed to make decisions? Today, we're getting into your board questions, all about redonk quorums, bureaucratic nightmares, and absentee board members. You don't…
Two Thumbs Down [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:13
Tis the season for… Giving Tuesday! The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, every nonprofit you've ever thought about will be contacting you about giving to their Giving Tuesday campaign. But should they? We're bringing our epis…
Onto the Next Chapter! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:22
We've got a vocab lesson for you today – what's the difference between a nonprofit chapter and a nonprofit affiliate? I don't blame you if you don't know - most people use those words interchangeably! How can you tell th…
Ghouls and Goblins Unite! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:24
Hang tight – we're going alllll the way back to our very first episode for this special Halloween celebration! Jordan Couch, lawyer from Tacoma and friend of the pod, came on to answer some ~spooky~ nonprofit questions a…