Last week, our president and co-founder, Lynn English, was featured in The Intercept in a powerful piece about the mounting threats facing the nonprofit sector under the second Trump administration.
You can read the full article here.
In the interview, Lynn called attention to what we’re seeing firsthand across the organizations we work with every day:
➔ Federal grant freezes are slashing budgets for critical programs.
➔ Organizations are being forced to lay off staff—up to 40% in some cases.
➔ Large donors are moving more cautiously, delaying urgently needed support.
As Lynn told The Intercept, “It’s kind of a perfect storm of the federal cuts happening and philanthropy not moving as quickly as one would hope. Anyone who has federal money is cutting expenses, cutting staff, and trying to figure out where they can possibly make up the gap.”
This is not just a funding issue—it’s a justice issue.
Communities that rely on nonprofit services—from food assistance to legal defense to cancer research—are facing dangerous gaps in care. And organizations working at the forefront of racial justice, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, immigrant rights, and democracy protection are being pushed to the brink.
Philanthropy Must Choose Courage Over Caution.
In Trump’s first term, foundations responded quickly to fund organizing, litigation, and movement-building. Today, the political climate is even more hostile—and yet hesitation is creeping in. As Lynn explained, fear of political retaliation, litigation, or threats to 501(c)(3) status is causing some funders to delay or reconsider investments.
But the stakes are too high for fear.
Our communities can’t wait.
And nonprofits can’t push for change without resources.
At English Hudson, we believe philanthropy must not only resist the chill, it must actively step into this moment with clarity, courage, and commitment.
What We’re Calling For:
- Rapid, flexible funding to meet emerging needs.
- Long-term investment in movement infrastructure, not just emergency response.
- Support for general operating expenses, staffing, and sustainability, so organizations aren’t forced into a cycle of scarcity.
- Deep commitment to frontline, community-led organizations, especially Black-led, Indigenous-led, and immigrant-led groups often most vulnerable in moments of backlash.
The path forward is clear: we must invest in resilience, not retreat from responsibility.
We’re proud to be working alongside dozens of nonprofits across the country who are continuing the fight for justice, even in the most challenging conditions. And we’re proud to be a Black women-owned firm standing firmly in the belief that resourcing justice movements is one of the most critical tasks of our time.
Read the full article at The Intercept.
If your organization needs support navigating this moment, we’re here to help. Contact us here to start a conversation.
In solidarity and action,
Lynn English
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