Why Staying Silent Is the Riskier Option for Most Nonprofits

If nonprofits don't speak up now, it may be too late.

Since January 20, 2025, federal policies have begun reshaping the nonprofit landscape—cutting funding streams, hollowing out federal agencies, rolling back hard-won regulations, casting doubt on the integrity of the nonprofit sector itself, and undermining the rule of law. In this climate, staying silent might feel like the safest route.

But silence carries its own risks.

When nonprofits don't speak out, we signal that these changes are acceptable. We risk losing ground we've spent decades building—not just in funding, but in credibility, access, and impact. Our communities depend on us not only to serve, but also to advocate. And advocacy doesn’t mean partisanship. It means telling the truth about what's happening, sharing the stories of our work, and making the case for policies that let us serve better.

Furthermore, silence now may mean action comes too late. Many of these changes are already in motion, while others will come to a head no later than October 1, when the new federal fiscal year begins.

If we wait for permission, we may wait too long. But if we act together—with clarity, humility, and purpose—we can defend the essential role of nonprofits in a thriving democracy. Speaking out is not a distraction from our mission. It is an expression of it.

If you are thinking about whether to speak up, use this discussion guide.

Sample Board Discussion Guide: Should We Speak Out About Federal Policy Changes?

Purpose:
To guide your board and leadership team through a strategic conversation about advocacy in response to federal policy changes impacting nonprofits.

Step 1: Frame the Discussion

“Since early 2025, federal policy changes have started to impact the nonprofit sector in real ways—funding cuts, regulatory changes, workforce disruption, and harmful rhetoric. We’re here to ask: should our organization consider speaking out in some form? If so, how can we do it wisely and effectively?”

Step 2: Identify Potential Impacts

Ask:

  • What recent or proposed federal actions are already affecting our work, directly or indirectly?
  • Are any of our programs at risk due to changes in federal funding, staffing, or policy?
  • Could changes in public perception of nonprofits undermine trust in our organization?

Document examples or anecdotes.

Step 3: Clarify Core Values and Mission Alignment

Ask:

  • Does advocating for the nonprofit sector align with our mission?
  • Have we spoken publicly about public policy in the past? If so, what worked?
  • How do our stakeholders expect us to lead or stay visible in times of uncertainty?

Step 4: Assess Risk and Reward

Create a quick pros and cons list:

Speaking Out

Aligns with values

Builds credibility

Can influence policy

Provides community leadership

Encourages other nonprofits

Staying Silent

Avoids political scrutiny

Maintains neutrality

Minimizes immediate risk

Misses chance to shape narrative

Risk of funder/political backlash

Then ask:

  • What’s the worst-case scenario? How likely is it?
  • What’s the best-case scenario? What would it take to reach it?

Step 5: Explore Options for Advocacy

Consider a spectrum of possible actions:

  • Quiet briefings with key funders or policymakers
  • Signing joint statements with other nonprofits
  • Publishing op-eds or blog posts
  • Hosting community town halls or webinars
  • Posting on social media using carefully worded, mission-aligned language
  • Coordinating with sector leaders or state nonprofit associations

Step 6: Decide and Document Next Steps

If you decide to act:

  • Identify spokesperson(s)
  • Draft and vet messaging
  • Determine timing and channels
  • Revisit regularly as the situation evolves

If you choose not to act now:

  • Revisit this discussion quarterly
  • Monitor evolving policy impacts
  • Stay connected with sector-wide advocacy coalitions