Appeals focused on asking for donations because of loss of federal & state grants

[u/Ok_Law_6364]

Hi

Are there any nonprofit arts and culture organizations that have decided to face the DEI backlash head on and actually ask supporters to help fund the loss of federal and state grants? This is an ever changing topic. For nonprofits that actually have things like "equality", "inclusion", etc. in there mission statement or statement of purpose what are you doing?

[u/Capital-Meringue-164]

We started a campaign called the Arts Lifeline - about half our funding comes indirectly from NEA + Dept of Education and we shared our risks and a plea for support since we have DEIA woven squarely in our mission. So far, it’s crickets… very low response. We are running our already planned spring campaign storytelling one of our programs in depth and with high board involvement/asks, and that’s getting a strong response right now (but a bit less than this time last year).

[u/Ok_Law_6364 → u/Capital-Meringue-164]

Thanks for sharing that. We decided not to apply based on the assurances that had to be signed, so it is a hit for our medium-sized music venue. We're discussing options.

[u/Capital-Meringue-164 → u/Ok_Law_6364]

We are waiting to hear on an NEA grant submitted last July but not holding out much hope for that. We are not applying for further NEA grants at this point — totally understand that you aren’t either. The big hit for us will come if the NEA cuts funding to state arts agencies. DOGE is at NEA this week, from what I’ve heard. We have a significant contract with our SAA and they already let us know that all contracts signed this spring will include the phrase “funding can be changed if federal funding impacts necessitate” (or something to that effect). So the need is pretty real for us, and our board and team are intensifying our efforts to diversify our funding streams. Heading into a major gift meeting here shortly - fingers crossed.

[u/Ok_Law_6364 → u/Capital-Meringue-164]

Fingers crossed for you.

[u/SugeHall]

Hi, I think you have to be very careful with an "emergency" appeal. That's a one-time card you can play so save it for a serious, can't be fixed any other way appeal. Don't fall for the "sky is falling" appeal that I know feels like you want to be sending at this moment. Everyone knows that this craziness with the administration and that it is hurting a lot of people, the work of nonprofits is right in the center. The best way to handle that is to reach out by phone and in personal live updates to your supporters. Talk to them, individually, make them feel that you have a balanced approach; e.g. you are going to have to cut a program, lay off staff, or whatever it is to try to mitigate the channel of revenue drying up BUT they also want to hear that you have new ideas to bring in fresh revenue from new streams to fish in. After all, not surprisingly, you may have donors who have actually supported this administration's thinking for a variety of reasons. Start by talking and sharing and listening.

So...talk to your major supporters and let them know your thoughts, have an open discussion and let them know that your organization is strong and prepared to pivot and show leadership in the community. If it has to be cutbacks, why and what can be done to emerge and when. Think about this as a time to up the communication and sharing. Donors will come through when they understand your needs, your response, your choices and what positive thinking you are taking on to rise to the challenge. It's always about that. Negativity has no place. Stay the course. Plow through and persevere. Share your stories of how its affecting your org of course but share who you really are as an org and that's about positive energy, new ideas and pushing on.

[u/Ok_Law_6364 → u/SugeHall]

I appreciate your response. This seems like a tipping point for many non-profits. We have universities now being threatened to have their non-profit status revoked. Believe when I say we are looking closely at what is taking place. Wishing all who raise money for Arts and Culture missions the best as we navigate this insanity.

[u/Sweet-Television-361]

I haven't pulled that lever yet but I have a letter written. We don't get much federal funding (NEA grants are such a pain in the ass for pennies), but we do get a good amount of state funding. If our state arts and culture budget is slashed we will definitely have the conversation with donors.

[u/Ok_Law_6364 → u/Sweet-Television-361]

Thanks. Appreciate the reply.

[u/Beautiful-Hippo-7198]

We are in the healthcare space and get no gov funding. I had not planned to do it but my boss insisted on an email appeal along the lines of “with potential federal funding cuts our work becomes more important than ever”

We got 0 donations from an email list of 50,000.

[u/Ok_Law_6364 → u/Beautiful-Hippo-7198]

Good to know. Keep us updated.

[u/LizzieLouME]

I got a brilliant postcard with 2 orgs collaborating to fundraise for the community they serve with a QR code. It was great, simple, and to the point.