In an era of uncertainty and shifting priorities, nonprofit leaders must remain adaptive, collaborative, and forward-thinking. Our latest Legacy Leadership Circle convened together professionals dedicated to navigating the evolving landscape of philanthropy, funding, and community impact. With thought-provoking presentations, engaging discussions, and collective problem-solving, we left with a renewed sense of purpose and actionable insights.
Setting the Stage: The Sustainable Board Representation Model
Mando kicked off the meeting with a TNP update, highlighting the Sustainable Board Representation Model—a framework designed to ensure that nonprofit boards reflect the communities they serve, foster key relationships, and mitigate risk in times of uncertainty.
The model emphasizes four core pillars:
- Communities Served: Boards must ensure nonprofits provide programming that directly addresses the needs of the people they support.
- Relationships: A diverse and engaged board widens advocacy efforts, donor cultivation, and public awareness.
- Navigating Uncertain Times: Board members must be equipped to guide organizations through federal, state, and local mandates.
- Avoiding Cultural Missteps: A representative board can help prevent errors in judgment that might harm trust and credibility.
This model serves as an essential foundation for nonprofit governance, particularly in an era of heightened scrutiny, political shifts, and funding instability.
Understanding the Landscape: CEP’s Nonprofit Voice Project
Estevan then discussed the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP)’s report, “Challenging Times: How U.S. Nonprofit Leaders Are Experiencing the Political Climate.” This research underscores the increasing pressure on nonprofit organizations and the growing need for adaptive leadership and resilient funding models.
The three main findings paint a clear picture of the challenges nonprofit leaders are facing today:
- Political Climate & Nonprofit Operations: The majority of nonprofit executives report negative impacts due to political uncertainty. Legislative changes, shifts in public sentiment, and funding cuts have forced organizations to rethink their strategies.
- Lack of Communication from Funders: Many nonprofit leaders expressed the need for clearer communication from institutional funders regarding how they plan to support organizations amidst evolving political realities.
- Funding Challenges & The Need for Flexibility: Nonprofits require unrestricted funding to remain sustainable. Many leaders fear that shifting funder priorities and economic instability may threaten their financial health and ability to serve their communities.
The Nonprofit Voice Project seeks to elevate the perspectives of nonprofit leaders and inform funders on how best to support the sector through these tumultuous times.
Strategic Leadership in Uncertain Times
To close the discussion, Estevan Delgado, our LLC Chair, shared his Top Ten List for Nonprofit & Philanthropic Leaders in 2025, offering timely advice for navigating a rapidly changing landscape.
His insights serve as a guiding framework for nonprofit professionals seeking to protect their organizations while maximizing their impact:
- Don’t normalize instability—address it head-on.
- Review contracts, legal counsel, and insurance policies.
- Clarify values and non-negotiables—both personally and professionally.
- Scenario-plan with stakeholders and peers.
- Find opportunities in disruption—convene, collaborate, and innovate.
- Be transparent when making difficult decisions to best support those you serve.
- Prioritize funding for basic services, operational sustainability, and capacity building.
- Ensure operational readiness—don’t invite unnecessary scrutiny.
- Reframe conversations from DEI to civil rights for broader structural impact.
- Stay grounded in challenging moments—trust your instincts.
Estevan’s wisdom underscored the importance of proactive leadership, financial preparedness, and bold action in times of change.
Collaborative Brainstorming
Following these presentations, attendees assembled to answer critical questions about community needs, nonprofit resilience, and board leadership strategies. The discussions revealed several recurring themes:
- Scenario planning is complex but necessary. Leaders across roles—board members, executive directors, and program staff—must identify clear non-negotiables in their organizational strategies.
- Cross-sector collaboration is essential. Workshops and convenings should emphasize collective action rather than siloed approaches.
- Financial sustainability must evolve. Some grantees may need to transition to revenue-generating models to continue supporting staff and fulfilling their missions.
- Nonprofits should rethink traditional structures. The sector must explore social enterprises and access alternative funding sources like capital and credit.
- Wisdom from experienced leaders is invaluable. Learning from those who’ve successfully navigated similar challenges can provide critical insights.
- Boards must embrace change. Organizations are at a crossroads, facing both anxiety and opportunity as systemic shifts unfold.
- Historical context matters. Many of today’s challenges have roots in policies and funding trends that began decades ago. Leaders must balance short-term needs with long-term strategic planning.
- Community remains at the heart of the work. Emerging from the pandemic, leaders must prioritize connection and collective support over isolated problem-solving.
- Holding elected officials accountable is crucial. The sector must develop effective strategies to demand better outcomes in education, civic engagement, and quality-of-life initiatives.
- A reckoning is needed. Nonprofit organizations require a space for reflection, innovation, and imagining a new future for the sector.
- Funders and nonprofits must pivot together. Funding models must align with changing needs, ensuring organizations have the flexibility to adapt.
Moving Forward: A Collective Commitment to Action
The meeting reinforced the urgency of adaptive leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainable funding strategies. As the nonprofit sector faces mounting challenges, its leaders are called upon to respond with resilience, creativity, and vision.
One clear takeaway emerged: the future of nonprofit success depends on bold thinking, collective action, and strategic shifts in governance and funding structures. Now, more than ever, organizations must work together, rethink traditional approaches, and embrace innovation.
As we move forward, our commitment remains steadfast—to support communities, advocate for structural change, and create lasting impact in an evolving world.
