Takeaways from MANP Community Forum on Executive Actions

While the long-term implications of the far-reaching actions from President Trump’s administration remain unknown, it is clear the impacts on Maine nonprofits are many, vary widely, and keep evolving. The speed and scale of federal actions have resulted in destabilizing uncertainty and concern, which stresses our ability to focus on and fulfill our missions in service to Maine people.

On March 31st, MANP hosted a community forum to share what we’re hearing from our national partners, peers in other states, and on the ground in Maine, and to learn from our community about what they are experiencing and learning to help us all gain insights and support for moving forward. In addition to updates from MANP staff, two of MANP's board members, Heide Lester (EqualityMaine) and Jeannette Andre (Maine Philanthropy Center) shared insights from their networks, and we conducted a number of polls and gathered questions and insights in chat from 250 attendees.

This post includes information on what we learned, and information and resources offered.

What's Happening

We asked participants whether they were experiencing or anticipating a number of impacts, and they could choose all that applied. Reductions/delays in programming, lost funding, and reductions in workforce top the list, but some participants also noted an increase in collaboration with peers and partners.

A number of organizations who said they were not experiencing things on this list directly indicated they have partners who are, and expect ripple effects on their own funding and programming over time. 

When asked for what concerns rise to the top of the list right now, it's not surprising to see funding uncertainty and program disruptions at the top, but very important to note that dozens of respondents are also concerned about client safety and staff burnout.

What's Needed

Attendees were interested in a range of interventions and supports, with a public relations campaign and advocacy training at the top of the list. This input will guide MANP's focus in the coming months.

Attendees had the opportunity to identify what they would most like to see from partners in philanthropy. Emergency funding, solidarity, and operations support rose to the top. MANP and Maine Philanthropy Center will use this information to advocate with Maine's philanthropic community.

What Next?

MANP is committed to leveraging our response in this moment into greater strength over time. In addition to immediate action, we will focus on fortifying the nonprofit infrastructure we need for Maine communities to thrive and advocating for a civil society where all people are invited and encouraged to lead and participate in the vision and future of their communities. 

If we do this right, we as a sector can be strengthened. Through new partnerships and collaborations, expanded coalitions. Through clear and robust communications to shore up support for nonprofits. We will be strengthened by new legal strategies. And we’ll be strengthened most of all by uniting as a sector to respond to and defeat these threats. ~Diane Yentel, President & CEO, National Council of Nonprofits

Alongside our national partners, our strategies include:

1. Litigation – National Council of Nonprofits and allies have filed lawsuits on behalf of the charitable nonprofit sector to forestall illegal negative impacts. MANP is working closely with our partners to strengthen their cases with on-the-ground examples from Maine, and will keep our network informed about these lawsuits as they make their way through the courts.

2. Communication - Every day, nonprofits make a difference in communities across Maine. But too often, their impact is overlooked or misrepresented. MANP will be championing the work and worth of the Maine nonprofit sector far and wide, and is encouraging our members to do the same. (One way you can do this is by sharing this video on your websites and social media! Members can also find a “proud member of MANP” logo in their Member Compass.) Together we can elevate the public profile of nonprofits and counter false and harmful narratives. 

3. Convening - We believe there is great opportunity in this moment to build the advocacy and collaborative capacity of our sector for the long term. We will be increasing opportunities for members to come together, build relationships, share information and ideas, and learn how to advocate legally and effectively.

4. Care - It’s critical that we attend to the safety and wellness of our teams and our communities. MANP will continue to compile resources and offer programs and support to sustain the people behind our vital missions, and advocate with our partners in philanthropy and government to take care of our essential workforce.

Resources + Actions

To help untangle some of the overwhelm and confusion, here are links we shared during the session. 

Ways to stay informed

• Executive Orders Affecting Charitable Nonprofits (National Council of Nonprofits)
• General FAQs on Executive Orders (National Council of Nonprofits)
• What’s up with DEI? (Nonprofit Law Blog)

Tools & resources to prepare/plan

• Review compliance: Ensure you are up to date on state and federal filings, and review your policies and practices for legal compliance, such as non–discrimination laws. You can find legal, accounting, and HR support in MANP’s Business Finder.
• A wealth of Resources for Navigating Uncertainty & Crisis, including safety and wellness, legal & HR compliance, scenario planning, financial modeling, crisis management, and more.
• A Nonprofit Checklist: What to do if your federal grant or contract is terminated 
• Navigating Funding Uncertainty with a Sustainable Revenue Strategy (3 part webinar series, begins April 8th)
• Staying the Course: Navigating Resistance and Fostering True Belonging (Webinar April 10)
• Agility in the Fog (Webinar, May 13)

Ideas for telling your story + building your network

• Share your story/concerns with state and federal elected officials
• Share your story with MANP
• Plug into Maine nonprofit networks and coalitions
• Attend MANP Connects, our free monthly virtual gatherings focused on sharing ideas and learning together. (Our next session on April 18th will focus on volunteer programs that drive change, and you can find past sessions on our YouTube channel.)
• Attend the Maine Philanthropy Center Conference on May 20th to explore pathways for action. 

Ways to prioritize safety, wellness and community

• Check in with your staff, board, funders, supporters, partners
• Read & share with your teams these resources on their rights:
  • Protecting Your Rights/Family/Marriage/Health (Equality Maine)
  • Know Your Rights (Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project)
  • What to do if ICE comes to your workplace
• Community Safety Rapid Response Support - Vision Change Win is offering free, virtual rapid response support to social justice movements, organizations, and leaders dealing with urgent community safety incidents.
• Democracy Protection Network: Offers support across cyber, physical security, communications, and legal for organizations working on democracy. 

Stay Connected

Moving forward, please keep your eye on MANP’s newsletter as we continue to offer new and updated resources from the National Council of Nonprofits and others, as well as details about our forthcoming in-person Community Forums in Presque Isle (5/15), Rockland (5/28), and other locations (TBD).

Please remember to stay in touch. We look forward to seeing you at future events. And, rest assured, that our nonprofit community will continue to meet the challenge by supporting one another, learning together, and turning overwhelm into hope, and hope into action for our state.