Government Affairs Digest: What Nonprofits Need to Know (Part 4)
025 has felt eerily similar to 2020—only more divided and chaotic. With government funding reductions and broader challenges facing nonprofits, especially those rooted in DEI-focused work, I found myself instinctively reaching out to fellow nonprofit leaders just to check in. But it quickly became clear that we all needed more.
Kate Hewitt, Executive Director of 21st Century Leaders
February 19, 2025 - This content will be updated as developments unfold.
“2025 has felt eerily similar to 2020—only more divided and chaotic. With government funding reductions and broader challenges facing nonprofits, especially those rooted in DEI-focused work, I found myself instinctively reaching out to fellow nonprofit leaders just to check in. But it quickly became clear that we all needed more. Purpose Possible has positioned itself as a trusted industry leader, resource, and advocate, so it was no surprise that Susannah and Laura helped turn that need for “more” into a truly impactful conversation. There’s an energy and urgency here that I hope we all carry forward—not just to keep the conversations going, but to take action through strategy, collaboration/unity, and accountability.”
Executive Exchange:
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in response to Kate’s timely suggestion, Purpose Possible gathered nonprofit leaders from across Metro Atlanta to share and strategize. The attendees represented a cross-section of the sector, including the smallest and largest organizations in our region, as well as a variety of sub-sectors such as housing, homelessness, and youth development. The conversations were candid and thoughtful, and everyone agreed they were much-needed.
The takeaways from this gathering are shared with you here
Purpose Possible is working diligently to understand what is most needed for nonprofit organizations in Atlanta. Over the coming weeks, we will continue to thoughtfully curate resources from expert partners and news highlights while we engage with nonprofits and funders across sectors and budget levels. We welcome suggestions on how we can best support the sector - if you see a particular need or are seeking a particular resource, let us know! Stay tuned to our website and newsletter for upcoming opportunities to be in community with your peers and Purpose Possible.
Navigating the Federal Funding Freeze: What Nonprofits Need to Know (Part 3)
The DOJ issued a directive to begin civil and criminal investigations of NGOs and other private companies engaged in "illegal" DEI work
Secretary Turner announced in a press conference that HUD would immediately halt any pending or future enforcement actions related to HUD’s 2016 Equal Access Rule.
A federal judge has blocked efforts to cut the NIH’s “indirect costs” in the funding it provides to research grants by 50%.
February 13, 2025 - This content will be updated as developments unfold.
Latest Developments:
February 5: The DOJ issued a directive to begin civil and criminal investigations of NGOs and other private companies engaged in "illegal" DEI work. (Ending Illegal DEI and DEIA Discrimination and Preferences)
Read: DOJ Targets Illegal DEI Programs Under New Executive Order - National Law Review
By March 1, 2025, the Civil Rights Division and the Office of Legal Policy are to submit a report containing recommendations to “encourage the private sector to end illegal discrimination and preferences” related to DEI.
Notably, the memo does not prohibit educational, cultural, or historical observances that “celebrate diversity, recognize historical contributions, and promote awareness without engaging in exclusion or discrimination.” Examples of these types of observances include Black History Month and International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
This new effort from the DOJ will likely face legal scrutiny in the coming weeks, as federal courts have routinely upheld private employers’ First Amendment right to promote DEI.
February 6: Secretary Turner announced in a press conference that HUD would immediately halt any pending or future enforcement actions related to HUD’s 2016 Equal Access Rule.
Per the National Alliance to End Homelessness: “The Equal Access Rule itself has not been rescinded; that requires a formal regulatory process.”
Read: Federal Updates & Continuing Advocacy - National Alliance to End Homelessness
February 7: President Trump issued a short memo directing “the heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) to review all funding that agencies provide to NGOs”
Read: Why We Filed a Lawsuit Against the Administration | National Council of Nonprofits
February 10: A federal judge said on Monday that the White House had defied his order to release billions of dollars in federal grants, marking the first time a judge has expressly declared that the Trump administration is disobeying a judicial mandate.
February 11: A federal judge has blocked efforts to cut the NIH’s “indirect costs” in the funding it provides to research grants by 50%.
Read: NIH Budget Cuts - TIME
February 12: Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter Steps Down as Trump Is Officially Elected Chair | Playbill
Read: Kennedy Center Responds to Trump's Intentions to Take Control | Playbill
Actions to take:
Guidance and legal orders are changing day to day. Always refer to granting agencies for updated guidelines.
Engage with your local lawmakers to express your concerns and opinions.
5calls.org is a tool that directs you to the right politicians and allows you to focus your efforts on the issues most pressing to you and your organization.
Be a storyteller to demonstrate policy changes' impact and real-world effects.
Participate in nonprofit coalitions actively advocating on behalf of the sector, including Purpose Possible’s newly formed Executive Exchange. Our first meetup was held on 2/12/25 and we will share key takeaways and next steps in a future blog post shortly.
This may be a good time to run through some cash flow forecasts for various scenarios. Here is a tool from the Nonprofit Finance Fund: Nonprofit Budgeting Scenario Planning Tool.
Tools:
Bookmark: National Council of Nonprofits: “Executive Orders Affecting Charitable Nonprofits” - a chart of the most pertinent executive orders, expected impacts, and related actions that will be updated regularly.
Resources:
Georgia Center for Nonprofits US Policy Changes Resource Hub
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Executive Orders affecting nonprofits
Reading
Navigating the Federal Funding Freeze: What Nonprofits Need to Know (Part 2)
On Monday, February 3rd, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a temporary restraining order of the OMB’s freeze on federal grant disbursements that has put essential services across the nation in jeopardy in response to a suit filed by Democracy Forward on behalf of the National Council of Nonprofits, the American Public Health Association, Main Street Alliance, and SAGE.
February 5, 2025 - This content will be updated as developments unfold.
“On January 29, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescinded M-25-13, which it had issued two days earlier, and which required federal agencies to "temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance" and "complete a comprehensive analysis of all of their Federal financial assistance programs to identify programs, projects, and activities that may be implicated by any of the President's executive orders."
Days after it was issued on January 27, one federal judge administratively stayed a portion of the memo before the OMB rescinded it altogether. A White House press secretary subsequently explained that the "freeze" was, in fact, still in place, and another judge indicated he intends to issue an injunction soon. While much remains unclear, there are basic parameters and next steps every FFA recipient should consider.”
-Venable LLP. (2025, January). The OMB Issued a Memo Freezing Federal Financial Assistance. And Then Rescinded the Memo, But Not the Freeze. Confused? Read On.
Most Recent Updates:
On Monday, February 3rd, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a temporary restraining order of the OMB’s freeze on federal grant disbursements that has put essential services across the nation in jeopardy in response to a suit filed by Democracy Forward on behalf of the National Council of Nonprofits, the American Public Health Association, Main Street Alliance, and SAGE.
Full press release from National Council of Nonprofits
What does this mean?
National Council of Nonprofits President, Diane Yentel explained on LinkedIn:
The judge presiding over our case - National Council of Nonprofits et al vs. Office of Management and Budget - GRANTED another Temporary Restraining Order against the admin’s ability to halt federal grants and loans!!
The DOJ’s motion to dismiss was DENIED.
OMB is ENJOINED from implementing, giving effect to, or reinstating under a different name the directive to halt federal spending broadly.
OMB must provide notice to all federal agencies, and instruct all such agencies to release any funding that was paused under the directive. OMB has to update the court on Feb 7th on how they have notified the agencies.
Much more to come but make no mistake - this is a significant setback to the administration’s plans to halt federal funding.
Actions to take:
In response to the Federal Funding Freeze announcement on Tuesday, January 27, Purpose Possible issued a statement to its clients titled "Navigating the Federal Funding Freeze: What Nonprofits Need to Know.” Despite the court’s ruling on Feb. 3rd, PP is strongly encouraging all of our clients to take steps to ensure the resilience and solvency of their organizations with or without government funding. No matter what happens with government funding, your organization can only be made stronger by diversifying its funding streams and deepening relationships with donors and private funders.
Tools:
To help start the conversation and navigate the complexities of scenario planning we have designed a flowchart to aid in the decision-making process.
In Community:
Exec Exchange: A Nonprofit Leadership Town Hall
Join Purpose Possible and other nonprofit executive leaders for a candid discussion of recent threats to government funding, recommendations for how to move forward, and a collective call to action.
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am EST
Location: East Atlanta Kids Club
at Brownwood Recreation Center
Venue graciously provided by East Atlanta Kids Club
Breakfast will be provided
Resources:
Georgia Center for Nonprofits, Executive Orders & Nonprofit Impact Webinar
(At the time of this article, registration was closed, but we encourage folks to check back as they may expand capacity)
Join us to hear from a panel of experts specializing in nonprofit law and crisis communications. Bring your leaders and your questions, and we’ll provide clarity around the legal developments to date as well as action steps for preparation and advocacy.
Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
Time: 3:00 - 4:30 pm EST
National Council of Nonprofits presents, Executive Actions and Their Impacts on Charitable Nonprofits Webinar - RSVP, OR Register to Receive the Recording
The last couple weeks have been a whirlwind for many nonprofits, from the more than 100 Executive Orders (EOs) issued by President Trump to the confusion about the funding freeze ordered in a memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). While a judge granted an Administrative Stay in the case filed by the National Council of Nonprofits and others, and OMB rescinded the memo, the EOs are still in effect, and charitable nonprofits with federal grants are still feeling the impact of these decisions. Learn more about EOs, the ones most directly or indirectly impacting charitable nonprofits, and the latest on the legal challenges.Because we expect overwhelming interest for this webinar, please only click the link to register for the live event if you plan to view it live. If you don't anticipate being able to join live, please register to receive the recording so we can keep as many live lines available as possible.
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
Time: 3:00-4:00pm EST
Kilpatrick Townsend presents, The Changing Landscape of Federal Funding in the Trump Administration - RSVP
Join Kilpatrick Townsend to discuss the new administration's approach to federal funding and its implications for grant and aid funding and policy changes. We will explore topics including, but not limited to, the rescinded federal funding freeze, a shift in DOJ enforcement actions, policy changes affecting grant administration, and what we might see moving forward.
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST
Reading
The American Bar Association: What is an Executive Order?
National Council of Nonprofits: “Executive Orders Affecting Charitable Nonprofits” - a chart of the most pertinent executive orders, expected impacts, and related actions that will be updated regularly.
Navigating the Federal Funding Freeze: What Nonprofits Need to Know (Part 1)
The recent directive from the White House to temporarily freeze federal grants and loans has created uncertainty and concern for many organizations that rely on federal funding to sustain vital programs. This is what we know and what we recommend.
January 29, 2025 - This content will be updated as developments unfold.
The recent directive from the White House to temporarily freeze federal grants and loans has created uncertainty and concern for many organizations that rely on federal funding to sustain vital programs. At Purpose Possible, we understand these concerns and are actively working to gather and share information in an effort to provide clarity, guidance, and support as we navigate this evolving situation together.
What’s Happening?
On Tuesday, January 27, 2025 the Trump White House issued a temporary freeze on federal grants and loans as part of a broader policy review (Roll Call, January 27, 2025). This pause delays funding disbursements and approvals, creating challenges for nonprofits that depend on these resources.
While the full implications of this directive remain unclear, it's important to note that the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 limits the executive branch's power to withhold funds without congressional approval. This means that while delays are possible, permanent cuts to already-appropriated funding are unlikely without further legislative action.
How This Affects Funding
Current Grants and Loans
Late Tuesday afternoon, a federal judge in the District of Columbia temporarily blocked the order in response to a lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward, a liberal organization that argued that the directive violated the First Amendment and a law governing how executive orders are to be rolled out. The judge, Loren AliKhan, said she would issue a more permanent decision on February 3.
On Wednesday, January 28, 2025, the White House rescinded the Office of Management & Budget Memo, M-25-13. White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt did say that some funding freezes would remain in effect. We are awaiting further clarification but can share that clients in the housing sector have reported the reopening of grant reimbursement portals on Wednesday afternoon.
Whether the funding freeze announced this week fully goes into effect or not, it is clear that government funding may not be a reliable source of funding going forward. Read on for recommendations for how to manage these changes in the weeks ahead.
Future Grants and Loans
The announcement or awarding of new funding opportunities may be postponed, which could delay programs in the application or approval stages.
Steps You Can Take Now
Stay Informed
Organizations have been advised to continue submitting budget claims, funding requests, and reimbursements.
Reach out to the program officer at the federal agency from whom you receive funding to seek clarity on the next steps. Stay in contact with this person but also know that they may also be seeking clarity and answers. Be diligent, but be patient.
Familiarize yourself with specific contract terms and conditions related to existing awards, especially regarding termination requirements. Your terms and conditions are part of the contractual agreement, and ensuring your continued compliance with your grant is critical.
Assess Financial Impact
Build a daily cash flow model and run scenarios for paused federal payments (for the next two weeks, next month, three months, etc.) to determine when your organization will be challenged to meet expense obligations.
If you anticipate that this funding halt will impact your ability to operate, contact your bank about immediate cash flow options that may be available.
If your organization has a board-restricted reserve and/or endowment, convene a discussion regarding shifting policy to access these funds, if necessary.
Develop Contingency Plans
Create scenario plans to identify adjustments you could make to programs, staffing, or expenses if federal funding is delayed or reduced.
Draft messaging to donors and stakeholders about the potential impact of the freeze and the need for support.
Develop strategies to diversify funding sources for both immediate and long-term stability.
Advocate for Clarity
Engage with congressional representatives and advocacy groups to emphasize the importance of uninterrupted federal funding for your programs.
Document how the freeze affects your operations and collaborate with peers to amplify concerns.
Moving Forward
While this directive has created uncertainty, Purpose Possible remains committed to helping our communities navigate the challenges ahead. We will continue to monitor developments, provide updates, and offer resources for support during this time.
If you have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can weather this challenge and continue our vital, mission-driven work.
Ways Purpose Possible Can Help:
● Strategize on non-government funding sources to assist with immediate cash flow support and long-term financial stability.
● Understand grant terms and agreements.
● Support in drafting messaging to your individual donors or community to convey the impact of this freeze on your mission and how they can offer their support.
● Support in reviewing your contingency plans.
Here are a few articles and resources:
Other resources:
Purpose in Action: Black History Month
We are back this month to highlight clients that celebrate and honor the achievements, history, and contributions of Black communities. These clients promote racial equity, provide services and opportunities for Black individuals and families, and collectively preserve Black heritage.
Read below to learn more about organizations that are uplifting Black communities: LEAD Center for Youth, Farm Alliance of Baltimore, National Black Arts Festival, and Project South.
In honor of Black history month we are proud to highlight clients that celebrate and honor the achievements, history, and contributions of Black communities. These clients promote racial equity, provide services and opportunities for Black individuals and families, and collectively preserve Black heritage.
Read below to learn more about organizations that are uplifting Black communities: L.E.A.D. Center for Youth, Farm Alliance of Baltimore, National Black Arts Festival, and Project South.
L.E.A.D. Center For Youth
leadcenterforyouth.org
Location: Atlanta, GA
Mission: To empower an at-risk generation to lead and transform their city of Atlanta by using the sports of baseball and tennis to teach Black youth how to overcome three curveballs that threaten their success: crime, poverty and racism.
Consultant: Adi Bates
The Work: Purpose Possible is proud of our multi-year communications work with L.E.A.D. Center For Youth. The organization is dedicated to transforming the lives of Black youth in Atlanta through sports-based youth development (SBYD) and focuses on empowering young people to overcome systemic challenges by fostering leadership, mentorship, and academic success. By integrating athletics with life skills, L.E.A.D. equips youth with the tools to lead in their communities and excel, breaking down barriers and creating lasting change.
“Collaborating with the L.E.A.D. Center For Youth over the past three years has been a privilege. They were one of the first clients I worked with when I joined Purpose Possible, and our partnership has only strengthened since then. Kelli and CJ Stewart, the founders of L.E.A.D., are deeply committed to the mission of their organization, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with them to communicate that mission and the work they do.
Through social media, graphic design, fundraising collaboration, newsletters, strategic marketing, and more, I’ve had the chance to witness and amplify the evolving and innovative impact L.E.A.D. has had on hundreds of Black youth in Atlanta since 2007. Their Sport-Based Youth Development (SBYD) programs not only transform the lives of student-athletes locally but also work to break racial barriers across Georgia and beyond. Whether through Atlanta Public School baseball and tennis programming, the Barnstorming Tour, community service activities, coach/mentor development, or the Safe At Home Game—where L.E.A.D. alumni and law enforcement officers play a baseball game together—L.E.A.D. is an MVP organization making multi-generational change in youth, adults, cities, and communities.”
Farm Alliance of Baltimore
Location: Baltimore, MD
Mission: The Farm Alliance of Baltimore is a membership organization of urban farms, neighborhood growers, and friends. They use connection, resource sharing, and collective advocacy with respect to food, land, and water to expand communities' self-determination and power.
Consultants: Kayla Gilchrist, Maryellen Grant
The Work: Purpose Possible is proud to collaborate with the Farm Alliance of Baltimore. Since December of 2023, we’ve supported the organization in enhancing its fundraising strategies, particularly institutional giving. Additionally, Purpose Possible has facilitated a staff retreat and provided executive coaching. We are honored to contribute to their mission of enhancing urban agriculture in the City of Baltimore.
“I’ve had the delightful experience of supporting the Farm Alliance of Baltimore team in their fundraising efforts through institutional giving. It is a true joy to collaborate with Denzel and his dedicated team. Denzel is a rare combination of a charismatic, visionary leader who understands the daily tasks required to implement a successful program. Through our collaboration, we identified key funding opportunities, strengthened their case for support, and refined their messaging to highlight the incredible impact they are making among urban growers in Baltimore. Their commitment to food justice, equity, and community-driven solutions made the grant writing process deeply rewarding. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success!”
“Our long-standing working relationship with the Farm Alliance of Baltimore has both been a genuinely purposeful way to invest into our regional community and a joyful learning experience for how deeply we are all impacted by local farmers’ ability to thrive. Their entire staff’s dedication and passion makes our support of their work - whether through coaching, facilitation of staff spaces, or fundraising - deeply meaningful. Our team meetings are always a space for both strategy and laughter and I can’t wait to continue this impactful work together!”
National Black Arts Festival
Mission: To expose, educate, engage, and entertain audiences by presenting and supporting the art and artists of African descent.
Consultants: Saskia Benjamin, Erin Nelson, Emily Llamazales
The Work: NBAF is recognized as the oldest multidisciplinary arts organization in the United States focused exclusively on the art and artists of African descent. In 2008, the United States Congress recognized NBAF for its importance to the “cultural fabric of greater Atlanta and all of America.” Through its annual public programs, world-class performances, commissioned works, arts education and public programs, NBAF offers audiences experiences that are extraordinary and enriching. Purpose Possible collaborates with NBAF through fundraising and grant management to help support their ongoing work.
“It is a delight to support the wonderful work of NBAF, an organization that centers and uplifts art and artists of African descent through education, programming, and celebration. In my role I manage their individual giving database. I am inspired by their community of support for public programming like the annual Fine Arts + Fashion, a unique benefit that brings together artists and designers in support of NBAF’s youth arts education programs in Atlanta Public Schools.”
“While I am new to working with NBAF, the good work of the organization is not new to me. It is a privilege to work closely with Stephanie Owens, NBAF’s Executive Director, to help her craft and implement a major donor program to not only help sustain NBAF’s existing programs but also to help grow organizational capacity. Having been a former Executive Director myself, I know that leading an organization can be a lonely endeavor at times and I relish the opportunity to be a sounding board and thought partner to Stephanie as she deftly leads NBAF in these uncertain times.”
“It has been a privilege to serve such a legendary arts organization with nearly four decades of history. NBAF exemplifies the significance of Atlanta as a Black cultural epicenter. Their work across artistic mediums both celebrates the important work artists in the city, while also investing in the next generation of cultural leaders through k-12 school programs. Working as a grant-writer for NBAF is a joy because their programs have such a clear alignment with their mission—a mission that is more crucial than ever in the current climate in the United States.”
Project South
Location: Atlanta, GA
Mission: To cultivate strong social movements in the South powerful enough to contend with some of the most pressing and complicated social, economic, and political problems we face today.
Consultants: Betsy Oliver, Taryn Janelle, Natalia Garzón Martínez
The Work: Project South organizes locally in their South Atlanta neighborhood to defend against the effects of gentrification, structural racism and other forms of oppression while building grassroots resident and youth power. Purpose Possible assisted their feasibility study for the Brownsville Futures Project, which aims to create a community-based, movement building campus that reverberates the past, present and future of our historical traditions and liberation dreams.
“My time with Project South was deeply rewarding. Engaging with their passionate team and stakeholders revealed not only their profound knowledge and dedication, but also the visionary leadership driving their impactful work. It was inspiring to witness firsthand the positive change they ignite within the communities they serve.”
“Working with Project South was a true honor for me. The depth and intention with which they have built the organization is admirable, and my time with them solidified my belief in the organizing work they are doing to build resilience, sustainability, and power for Black communities in South Atlanta.”
Purpose in Action: Highlighting Clients in Mentorship & Education
At Purpose Possible we value and admire the work that our clients do day to day. The projects we support our clients with are windows into the thought and effort that they invest to make their mission a reality, and we are always looking for ways to highlight that work.
January is National Mentoring Month, a time to raise awareness about the transformative power of youth mentoring and recognize the contributions of mentors to the future of the communities we are part of.
At Purpose Possible, we deeply value and admire the incredible work our clients and consultants do each day. January is National Mentoring Month—a time to celebrate the transformative power of education and honor the mentors shaping the future of our communities.
Below, we are showcasing organizations that provide youth mentorship programs, after-school initiatives, and professional development opportunities. Continue reading to learn more about 21st Century Leaders, East Atlanta Kids Club, Breakthrough Atlanta, and Science ATL.
21st Century Leaders
Mission: 21st Century Leaders is a non-profit organization that connects, transforms, and inspires high school students across Georgia to promote inclusion, explore career opportunities, and become leaders in their school, community, and ultimately the workforce.
Consultants: Mindy Schweitzer-Rawls, Caroline Egan, Amy Bowman
The Work: Purpose Possible is proud to collaborate with 21st Century Leaders (21CL), one of our longest-running fundraising clients. We’ve supported 21CL in grant writing, annual giving campaigns, and their endowment fundraising efforts. Additionally, our communications team has helped produce the organization’s impactful annual report. We are honored to contribute to their mission of creating lifelong leaders across the state of Georgia.
“Our team has worked alongside organizational leadership and the board of directors to secure the resources needed to sustain and expand their mission to create lifelong leaders by investing in high school youth across Georgia. The “Empowering Our Future” will change the trajectory of countless lives, giving these students the tools to become not just participants in their communities but leaders who drive innovation and inspire others for years to come. Knowing the long-term impact our today will have on students, their families, and the future workforce is personally fulfilling.”
“For nearly three years, I have had the privilege of working with 21st Century Leaders (21CL) as a grant writer and annual giving fundraiser, and I remain deeply inspired by the transformative impact of their work. What sets 21CL apart is its statewide reach, influencing high school students not just in Atlanta but in cities and communities across Georgia. Under the leadership of Kate Hewitt, Executive Director, 21CL continues to grow its presence across the state, ensuring no student is overlooked. I take pride in sharing the impact of their work through grant applications and annual giving campaigns, and I look forward to watching them continue to make an impact in 2025!”
“I’ve had the delightful experience of supporting 21 Century Leaders in their fundraising efforts for their endowment fund! This has mainly consisted of developing strategies & materials for board members to engage donors, prospects, and their networks to participate in the campaign. Having the opportunity to work directly with board members - arguably the most dedicated volunteers you’ll find in an organization - is so rewarding as I get to hear all the stories of why the organization means so much to them. I’m so impressed with the leadership that 21CL has cultivated to be the vital support that is their board. To have so many devoted, passionate people guiding their organization is a true testament to their mission!”
East Atlanta Kids Club
Location: Atlanta, GA
Mission: Building a promising future for the children of southeast Atlanta.
Consultant: Katie Busch
The Work: EAKC enriches the lives of southeast Atlanta youth through after-school activities, summer camps, mentorship, and S.T.E.A.M.-focused initiatives. Their programs empower children and teens, predominantly from low-income families, with academic support, leadership development, and life skills. Together with EAKC’s leadership, we work to ensure these impactful programs continue fostering brighter futures for Atlanta’s next generation. Purpose Possible supports East Atlanta Kids Club (EAKC) through fundraising partnerships that help sustain their vital programs.
“At Purpose Possible, our mission to create meaningful impact through innovation, experimentation, and inclusivity is exemplified in our work with the East Atlanta Kids Club (EAKC). As a Senior Consultant, it is immensely rewarding to collaborate with the inspirational and deeply committed professional and lay leadership at EAKC, particularly Executive Director Ryan Downy, whose tireless advocacy for the organization and the community is truly transformative. Supporting EAKC’s mission to build promising futures for the children of southeast Atlanta through their Kids Club, Teen Club, Summer Camp, and food insecurity initiatives is both humbling and fulfilling. Knowing that my expertise contributes to the growth and sustainability of a program that provides mentorship, leadership development, and joy to at-risk youth makes this work deeply meaningful. It is my hope that my contributions have a lasting impact, helping to pave the way for brighter futures for these deserving children.”
Breakthrough Atlanta
Mission: Increase academic opportunity for highly motivated, underserved students and get them into college ready to succeed; and inspire and develop the next generation of teachers and educational leaders.
Consultant: Saskia Benjamin
The Work: Breakthrough Atlanta is an organization committed to increasing academic opportunities for highly motivated, underserved students in the Atlanta area, guiding them toward college readiness and success.
Their six-year, tuition-free, year-round program begins in middle school and continues through high school, offering a comprehensive pathway to college. The program includes a six-week summer session focusing on core academic subjects and creative electives, as well as year-round support through workshops, college counseling, and pre-college experiences. Additionally, Breakthrough Atlanta inspires and develops the next generation of teachers and educational leaders by providing hands-on teaching internships for college students.
“Breakthrough Atlanta was my first client with Purpose Possible, and I have had the pleasure of filling several roles with them over the past year including Interim Director of Development and now, with my current role as grant writer. Working closely with Breakthrough development staff, I provide additional fundraising capacity to the organization by focusing my time on raising funds from foundation, government, and corporate funders. Part of what makes Breakthrough’s work so special is their “Students Teaching Students” model that harnesses the power of having a teacher from a similar background leading the class, as minority students are proven to perform better on standardized tests, have improved attendance and are suspended less frequently when they have at least one same-race teacher. As a parent, I connect with and believe in the mission of this organization and as such it is a pleasure to write grants for them that describe all the ways that Breakthrough supports their students academically and socially-emotionally, and their Teaching Fellows professionally.”
Science ATL
Mission: To cultivate an equitable community of lifelong learners across metro Atlanta who are connected and inspired by the wonder of science.
Consultants: Blake Beckham, Blair Keenan, Natalia Garzón Martínez, Catherine Warfield
The Work: Science ATL is dedicated to fostering a love for STEM through programs like the Atlanta Science Festival and Georgia Chief Science Officers (CSO) leadership development. The organization partners with researchers, engineers, technicians, artists, graduate students, and anyone working in a STEM-related career and brings 100 STEM pros to visit 100 classrooms across metro Atlanta to inspire students.
Purpose Possible, has supported Science ATL by crafting a strategic plan and enhancing their fundraising strategies, ensuring their programs can thrive and grow. Their passion for science and community impact makes every collaboration truly energizing and rewarding.
“Working with Meisa Salaita and Jordan Rose (Co-Executive Directors), the board of directors and staff was an absolute pleasure. My colleagues from the organizational strategy team and I helped them craft their most recent strategic plan and watching them meticulously and intentionally consider the input they received from partners, program participants, volunteers, and educators was inspiring. Their enthusiasm for science is truly contagious; their dedication to enhance their work and deepen their commitment to the students they hope to inspire is truly remarkable. I get to work with a lot of EDs for strategic plans and I can honestly say Jordan and Meisa are leading the organization, both internally and externally, with a genuine commitment to the programs and the people they impact. I am so happy they continued working with Purpose Possible so I don’t have to say goodbye! ”
“After working with Purpose Possible to articulate their organizational priorities in a Strategic Plan, Science ATL identified the need to boost their fundraising efforts, and our firm stepped in to lead the way. Now, we are working with Science ATL on developing plans and strategies that will allow their organization to grow, thrive and accelerate their community impact. Our goal is to help them grow their capacity while minimizing the impact on staff time, which is always a precious resource for our clients. I love working with Science ATL because they bring fun-loving energy and open-minded curiosity to everything they do. They are thoughtful decision makers who care deeply for the quality of their programs and the impact of their work, especially upon young people. Their passion for science is energizing and contagious. They are devoted to STEM - not only as an economic driver, but as a seedbed for imagination and insight. They are committed to creating a future in which scientific exploration is a shared community value, and a learning experience that’s available to all. ”
Do we need a strategic plan?
Deciding whether to do a strategic plan can be challenging for organizations of any size. A strategic plan can provide direction and focus but it's not always necessary at every stage or for every type of organization. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding.
By Starsha Valentine
Partner + Managing Director, PP Mid-Atlantic
Deciding whether to do a strategic plan can be challenging for organizations of any size. The process can seem daunting - there are staff resources, board time, and expenses related to the planning process that many leaders are unsure how to navigate. However, a strategic plan can provide direction, focus, and a clear roadmap for achieving long-term goals, but it's not always necessary at every stage or for every type of organization. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding whether to do a strategic plan:
1. Organizational Maturity and Complexity
Stage of development: Newer organizations or startups may not need a formal strategic plan immediately but could benefit from a simpler roadmap or set of priorities. Established organizations with more complex operations and goals often require detailed strategic planning to manage growth and address challenges.
Size and complexity: Larger organizations or those with multiple departments, geographies, or products will benefit more from a strategic plan to align different functions toward common goals.
2. External Environment and Market Conditions
Market instability: If your industry is undergoing significant disruption or change, having a strategic plan can help guide the organization through uncertainty.
Competition: In highly competitive environments, a strategic plan can help you stay ahead by identifying competitive advantages, strengths, and potential weaknesses.
3. Current Organizational Needs
Clarity and alignment: If your organization is facing confusion about its direction, mission, or vision, a strategic plan can help clarify these points and align all stakeholders around shared goals.
Crisis or stagnation: If the organization is struggling or experiencing stagnation, a strategic plan can help pinpoint underlying issues and chart a new course for recovery and growth.
Leadership changes: If your organization has recently or will soon experience a leadership transition, in addition to a succession plan, the organization may benefit from a new strategic plan.
Expansion or innovation: If you’re developing new programs or campaigns, launching new products, or undergoing significant expansion, a strategic plan can help navigate these transitions smoothly and effectively.
4. Stakeholder Engagement
Internal alignment: If you have a diverse set of teams or stakeholders, creating a strategic plan helps align their efforts, set expectations, and drive performance. For organizations with fragmented cultures or silos, a formal plan can be the tool that brings everyone together.
5. Resources and Capacity
Time and personnel: Strategic planning is a time-intensive process. Does your organization have the internal resources—time, personnel, expertise—to dedicate to developing and executing a strategic plan? If not, you might want to consider whether it’s the right time or whether you need to first build internal capacity.
Financial resources: A strategic plan requires an investment in planning time, workshops, and possibly external facilitation or consulting. If resources are limited, it may be prudent to weigh the costs against the potential benefits.
6. Clarity of Vision and Mission
Vision and mission statements: If your organization lacks clear and inspiring vision and mission statements, developing them might be the first step before a full strategic plan. Without these foundational elements, a strategic plan may lack the direction needed for effective implementation. Developing a refreshed mission and vision could also be a part of the strategic planning process.
7. Leadership and Governance
Leadership buy-in: A strategic plan requires strong leadership commitment and involvement. If leadership is divided or lacks alignment, the strategic planning process could become fragmented or ineffective.
Governance structure: Does your organization have the right governance structure in place to support decision-making and accountability as you implement the plan? This is something to consider before embarking on the plan.
8. Implementation Capacity
Execution ability: Having a strategic plan is one thing; implementing it is another. Before committing to a plan, consider whether your organization has the processes, leadership, and culture to follow through on the plan once it's developed. If your organization struggles with execution, you may need to include a plan for the implementation.
Considering a strategic plan in 2025? Contact our business development team at purposepossible.com/contact.
The Purpose of Giving - Key Insights and Takeaways
Highlights and actionable takeaways for organizations, professionals, and community builders looking to harness insights from The Purpose of Giving.
On October 29, Purpose Possible and more than 100 mission-driven professionals gathered at The Plaza Theatre for The Purpose of Giving: Insights from Giving USA, a presentation and panel discussion on the latest findings from the 2023 Giving USA Annual Report on Philanthropy. Featuring Dr. Una Osili, Laura MacDonald, and Susannah Darrow, moderated by Jennifer Jiles, the event offered perspectives on trends shaping the philanthropic landscape.
Below, we share highlights and actionable takeaways for organizations, professionals, and community builders looking to harness these insights.
Key Highlights from the Giving USA Report
Giving Growth & Inflation: Charitable giving grew last year but did not keep pace with inflation, impacting the real value of donations.
Individual Giving Dominance: Individuals remain the largest source of philanthropic funds, highlighting the need for nonprofits to prioritize individual donor engagement. (Since the 1950s, individuals have been the largest slice of the philanthropic pie). Interestingly, the data shows that individual donations do not decrease significantly during political campaign cycles.
Foundation & Corporate Giving: Foundation giving continues to grow, while corporate giving remains stagnant despite corporations’ evolving approaches to community involvement.
The Stock Market Effect: The stock market remains a reliable indicator of philanthropic behavior, with trends often mirroring market performance.
Planned Giving Opportunities: As Americans accumulate wealth, many now consider how to distribute it effectively. This generational shift presents a significant opportunity for nonprofits to encourage planned giving.
Resilience in Philanthropy: Generosity remains steadfast, with many funders increasing their giving in challenging times.
Upcoming Challenges: Fundraisers face uncertainties from economic instability, political climate, and shifts in generational wealth. These factors add complexity to philanthropic planning but also underscore the importance of cultivating trust and transparency.
Actionable Tips for Nonprofits
Adapt Gift Requests to Reflect Economic Changes: Regularly evaluate your materials and ask amounts to ensure they align with current economic realities and organizational needs.
Inspire Generous Giving: While economic data is essential, don’t let it limit donor potential. Instead, inspire donors to give their greatest possible gift.
Engage Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Building relationships with DAF staff or financial advisors can help demystify this funding source, enhancing donor engagement and support.
Promote a Culture of Abundance: Philanthropy isn’t about scarcity; fostering an abundance mindset encourages giving across communities and individuals.
Empower Your Board: A committed and strategic board can drive transformational change. Engage board members actively to support your goals.
Embrace New Forms of “Giving Capital”: Beyond the 3 Ts (time, talent, and treasure) emphasize “testimony” (advocacy and storytelling) and “ties” (relationship-building) as crucial resources.
Recognize the Relational Nature of Fundraising: Fundraising success is rooted in relationships. Regular, meaningful engagement with donors builds lasting support and trust.
Key Resources for Further Insight
For those seeking to deepen their understanding, these resources were recommended during the event:
The Endowment Handbook: The Complete Guide to Building a Resilient Cause – An essential guide for nonprofit financial sustainability
Donors of Color Network – Philanthropy Insights
Slides shard during Dr. Una Osili’s presentation are available here.
As we look ahead, organizations and philanthropic professionals are encouraged to approach fundraising with renewed purpose and strategic insight. The speakers underscored that while challenges remain, the philanthropic community’s resilience and generosity continue to shine.
Thank you to all who attended and shared questions and experiences. We hope these insights inspire your work and deepen your impact in the communities you serve.
Stay tuned for more events, updates, and resources to support your philanthropic journey.
FEARLESS FUND: What happened & what you need to know
The lawsuit against the Fearless Fund sparked widespread attention, raising questions for nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. Central to the case is whether race-based initiatives, aimed at supporting underfunded groups and addressing systemic inequalities, serve the public interest or violate anti-discrimination laws.
The lawsuit against the Fearless Fund has sparked widespread attention, raising critical questions for nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. Central to the case is whether race-based initiatives, aimed at supporting underfunded groups and addressing systemic inequalities, serve the public interest or violate anti-discrimination laws. Fearless Fund was established to address the gap that exists in venture capital funding for women of color-led businesses. The case has caused a shift in how organizations can seek or provide funding for programs targeting specific racial groups.
Courts are currently debating what is in the greater “public interest”—race-neutral initiatives only or actively trying to remediate systemic inequality with race-based initiatives.
Below are a few key insights from the case and ruling.
Here’s what happened:
On August 2, 2023, the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER) filed a complaint on behalf of three of its members against Fearless Fund and related entities.
The lawsuit alleged that a grant program run by Fearless Foundation violates 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, a federal statute enacted as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race in the making or enforcement of contracts.
September 26, 2023: A U.S. District Judge denied AAER's request to halt the grant awards process, saying that the program qualifies as charitable giving, a form of protected speech under the First Amendment.
September 30, 2023: A three-person panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit blocked the grant program, saying it was “racially exclusionary” and “substantially likely” to violate a federal law prohibiting racial discrimination in contracting.
Between December 6, 2023, and June 3, 2024, several legal actions were taken. The Fearless Fund sought to reinstate the program by filing a brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals and arguments were presented before a three-judge appeals panel in Miami. Ultimately, the 11th Circuit upheld the injunction in the case.
September 11, 2024: The parties settled the case, with Fearless Foundation agreeing to close the grant program permanently.y.
Here’s what you need to know:
The key word is CONTRACT. You can call something a grant, but if you are requiring any specific activities/requirements in exchange for the money (agreements, accepting the “rules” of the program etc), it’s more likely to be considered a contract, which courts are more likely to find discriminatory.
Specifying that "only applicants of a specific race can apply" in eligibility criteria is considered discrimination and poses a legal liability.
Unrestricted and "trust-based" philanthropy, which operates without formal grant agreements or explicit rules, is less susceptible to litigation.
Qualitative descriptions of overcoming race and discussing unique identity positions seem safe to include as application questions or vetting strategies, but race-based quotas and quantitative benchmarks for admissions or giving are liabilities.
Data to talk about racial injustice to justify any racial focus of a service provided is still okay to use.
Instead of using race as an eligibility criterion, it’s recommended that the application include a qualitative question about how applicants are advancing the organization/funder's racial equity goals.
For organizations that serve or provide services to a specific racial group: that activity is considered an expressive/first amendment right.
It has been recommended that organizations review mission statements and legal documents to ensure that their activities are described in “expressive” terms.
It is recommended that organizations review their insurance policies to ensure that they cover anti-discrimination litigation and that any stated racial focus does not render their policies void.
Purpose Possible is not a legal entity, and the information provided here is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a legal professional for specific legal guidance.
Here are some headlines about the Fearless Fund Decision:
What the Fearless Fund Settlement Means for Philanthropic Freedom
(Chronicle of Philanthropy)
What’s Next for Philanthropy After the Fearless Fund Settlement?
(Inside Philanthropy)
Nonprofits, Legal Experts React to the Fearless Fund Decision to Shutter Grant Program to Black Entrepreneurs (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Crafting Compelling Communications for Maximum Year-End Fundraising Impact
Effective communication is vital to driving fundraising success, particularly at year-end. By aligning your messaging, you can engage donors, acquire new supporters, and cultivate community to achieve your organizational goals.
Director of Fundraising Services
As a nonprofit fundraiser or communications professional, you know that effective communication is vital to driving fundraising success, particularly at year-end. By strategically aligning your messaging across various channels, you can engage donors, acquire new supporters, and cultivate community to achieve your organizational goals.
Explore practical strategies to enhance external communications and maximize year-end fundraising outcomes.
Understanding Your Audience
Your audience, your community of donors or prospective donors, is at the heart of your fundraising efforts. Understanding their preferences is the first step to crafting effective communications. Look at the data to help inform your online community’s preferences. Think about:
Understanding how your existing donor base engages with your organization online is crucial. Their preferred communication channels (social media, email, etc.) and the most active times are key factors that guide your communication strategy.
By analyzing your donor data, social media analytics, and email analytics, you can tailor your messaging to resonate with their interests and values. This data-driven approach enhances the relevance and impact of your communication.
Developing Engaging Digital Fundraising Campaigns
Once you understand your audience, it's time to create compelling digital fundraising campaigns. Here are some tips:
Set a clear campaign goal. What do you want to achieve with your campaign?
Create a visually appealing landing page. Use strong imagery and compelling copy to capture attention.
Tell stories. Share personal anecdotes and success stories to connect with donors emotionally.
Keep your messaging concise and to the point. Avoid overwhelming donors with too much information.
Incorporate photos and videos. Visual content can be highly effective in engaging donors.
Make donating easy. Offer multiple donation options, such as text-to-give and QR codes.
Maximizing Social Media for Fundraising
Social media can be a powerful tool for fundraising, particularly with an enhanced understanding of your audience and their content preferences. Here are some ideas on how to use social media to fundraise:
Create engaging challenges. Encourage participants to donate or share impact stories.
Develop micro-campaigns. Micro-campaigns are a great way to engage your supporters and raise funds for specific needs. Consider targeting different segments of your donor base with campaigns that leverage organizational milestones, matching gift challenges, or organizational needs.
Conduct fundraising ‘Power Hours.’ Promote fundraising on specific days and times with a particular call to action connected to an overarching goal.
Leverage peer-to-peer fundraising. Encourage supporters to raise funds on your behalf.
Implementing these strategies can create a compelling and effective communications strategy that drives year-end fundraising success. Remember to track results and make adjustments as needed. This ongoing optimization process will give you confidence that you're doing everything you can to maximize your efforts.
Mindy specializes in designing and executing fundraising, communications, and community development strategies. She has worked with Atlanta Land Trust, Wesley International Academy, 21st Century Leaders, Nicholas House, Endwell, Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity, and many others.
Failing Forward
From disappointing outcomes, missed opportunities, or the professional challenges that shape our careers, failure is a universal experience. This webinar will feature stories from leaders across our industry who have turned their failures into opportunities for growth and innovation. Their insights will demonstrate how setbacks can fuel resilience and lead to greater accomplishments.
Failing Forward: Turning Setbacks into Growth brought together industry leaders who shared personal stories of failure and how those moments became catalysts for learning and growth.
Presented by Purpose Possible, this session was hosted by Cheryl Kortemeier and Roy Neill from Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta.
The guest panelists are:
Jay Cranman, President and CEO of Hands On Atlanta
Terra Gay, Managing Director of Culture and Equity for Drew Charter School
Tyrone Webb, Rural and Community Programs Manager with Georgia Council for the Arts
Here are a few takeaways from the session:
Failure is not an endpoint but a critical learning opportunity.
“Give yourself the grace to feel whatever you feel in the moment of what you are perceiving as you're failing, but at the same time, make sure that you are making space for you to be able to move forward from that incident.” - Tara Gay
Create environments where individuals feel safe to share their failures and normalize these conversations with communities and organizations. Building a culture of openness strengthens team dynamics and encourages innovation. Open spaces to talk about failure fosters authenticity and deeper connections.
"We've created a culture where we're comfortable discussing setbacks with our leadership team and board." - Jay Cranman
Understanding your limitations, reflecting on past experiences, and learning from them equips us all to improve. Not every failure may push you forward but the ability to fail forward is a privilege.
There is a complex interplay between personal failures and broader systemic issues.
"I see failure as a positive, especially when operating within or against systems that are meant to separate people." - Tyrone Webb
This highlights the need for both personal accountability and collective action to dismantle inequitable systems. The panelists discussed how disparities in access to education, resources, and opportunities disproportionately affect marginalized communities, making it harder for them to succeed. By recognizing the distinction between personal failings and systemic barriers, individuals and organizations can work toward more equitable solutions that empower all people to reach their full potential.
Failure is an inevitable part of striving for meaningful change. This webinar reinforced the idea that setbacks, when reframed, can spark creativity, resilience, and innovation. As we continue our mission-driven and personal journeys, this session is a reminder that failure is not something to avoid—it’s something to embrace as part of our growth.
Let’s keep the conversation going, and together, turn setbacks into stepping stones for success!
Shortchanged Live
Join Taylor and Monique, as they share valuable insights from their first two seasons. The session explores the central theme of alignment, focusing on how to strengthen connections with funders, donors, peer organizations, and achieve greater professional balance. Drawing from their unique perspectives and powerful conversations, Taylor and Monique offer actionable strategies to help mission-driven professionals navigate these key relationships more effectively.
Grants Webinar Series
Purpose Possible's fundraising team hosted an insightful four-part webinar series covering essential topics in grant funding, project planning, proposal writing, and grants management. Aimed at both newcomers and seasoned professionals seeking a refresher, each session focused on practical tools and strategies to enhance fundraising efforts and improve grant seeking success.
In August 2024, Purpose Possible's fundraising team hosted an insightful four-part webinar series covering essential topics in grant funding, project planning, proposal writing, and grants management. Aimed at both newcomers and seasoned professionals, each session focused on practical tools and strategies to enhance your organization's fundraising efforts and improve grant seeking success.
Session 1: Getting to Know Grants
The first session provided a comprehensive overview of different types of grants, including federal, private, and state grants. Attendees learned how to identify grants that align with their organization's goals, as well as the common misconceptions about grant funding, such as the myth that grants are "free money."
Key topics included:
How to match your organization's needs with the right grants
Creating and managing a pipeline of potential funders
Understanding the deadlines and requirements for grant applications
Tools for tracking grants, including dashboards and record-keeping systems
Additional Resources:
Session 2: Project Planning & Prospecting for Grants
Session two focused on the foundational elements of project planning for grant proposals. Presenters shared how to craft strong statements of need, realistic goals, and effective project budgets. Additionally, the presenters offered strategies for vetting grant opportunities to maximize effort and minimize wasted time.
Highlights included:
Writing compelling needs statements tailored to specific funders
Avoiding "mission creep" by aligning projects with your organization's core goals
Tips for researching potential funders, including foundation websites, 990s, and online databases
How to leverage personal connections and board members to strengthen proposals
Industry organizations and publications:
Additional Resources:
Session 3: Best Practices for Polished Grant Proposals
In this session, the focus shifted to writing polished and professional grant proposals. Attendees learned how to develop clear goals, effective evaluation methods, and a detailed budget that demonstrates accountability. The importance of sustainability planning beyond the grant period was also a key takeaway.
Key points included:
SMART(IE) goals: Creating measurable and inclusive objectives for grant proposals
Crafting a budget that demonstrates your capacity to manage funds responsibly
Strategies for showing funders that your project is sustainable beyond their initial support
The presenters offered practical tips on aligning your proposals with funder priorities and ensuring clarity in your submissions.
Online Training/Resources:
Candid.com - free online training
GrantStation.com - excellent resource for proposal-writing tips/examples of award-winning proposals
Books:
The Only Grant-Writing Book You’ll Ever Need, Ellen Karsh and Arlen Sue Fox
Grantsmanship: Program Planning & Proposal Writing, Norton J. Kiritz
Session 4: The Essentials of Grants Management
The final session addressed the often-overlooked area of grants management. Winning a grant is just the beginning—successful nonprofit organizations must also maintain positive relationships with funders and comply with reporting requirements. This session broke down the key aspects of managing grants effectively, from reporting deadlines to relationship-building.
Key takeaways included:
Managing the reporting requirements imposed by funders
Building long-term relationships with grantmakers
Ensuring open, honest communication with funders to foster trust
Further Reading:
Have questions or need grant support? Contact us today at info@purposepossible.com
Leveraging the ULI Housing Report: Insights for Mission-Driven Success
This webinar explored key findings from the 2023 ULI Atlanta Housing Study on the affordable housing crisis. This session provides those working with housing or homelessness-related organizations with valuable data and practical tips for grant writing, program planning, and strategic initiatives. Learn how to leverage this information to amplify your organizational impact and drive meaningful change.
In this webinar, our speakers explored the findings from the Urban Land Institute's latest housing study and discussed the data driven implications and what it means for advancing affordable housing in Atlanta.
Led by Mindy Schweitzer-Rawls, Director of Fundraising Services at Purpose Possible, this webinar included Tate Wilson, Director at KB Advisory Group—the organization hired by ULI Atlanta to produce the report, and Amanda Rhein, Executive Director at Atlanta Land Trust and the Chair of Mission Advancement for ULI.
In 2017, ULI recognized the urgent need to address affordable housing challenges in Atlanta, leading to the establishment of a working group focused on this issue. The initial housing strategy, titled "Affordable Atlanta," was published in January 2018 in partnership with KB Advisory Group. This study aimed to define affordability, identify Atlanta's housing issues, connect solutions with needs, and build consensus among stakeholders. The report update in 2023 revealed that the Atlanta housing situation had worsened, prompting new recommendations for action and collaboration across various sectors
Key insights include:
The intersection between income, housing affordability, housing attainability, and transportation
A loss of 130,000 units with a monthly cost of less than $1000 and how that affects households whose income does not increase at the rate of housing costs
Transportation costs as a percentage of household income are substantially higher for those at 80% AMI
There is no zip code in the metro area that a household at 80% AMI or less could have purchased a home at the median price in 2021
There are 391,878 cost burdened households in the Atlanta metro area
Anyone, at any income level, that is spending more than 30% of their gross income on housing (housing + utilities + insurance) is “cost burdened.” This can happen to anyone at above or below the median income level. It’s really important to devise solutions to meet people where they are based on their income levels, the size of their family that needs to be accommodated, their job location, etc.
“The greatest need is at the lowest income level but it’s also a supply and demand issue—people at higher income levels who struggle to afford housing put more demand on housing available to those at a lower AMI. A lack of supply at any level, affects the demand at all levels.”
- Amanda Rhein
Links to resources mentioned in the webinar are included below:
For more information about this topic and how to leverage the data, please contact us at info@purposepossible.com.
Embracing Reparations as a Fundraising Strategy for Black-led/Black-serving Organizations
In recent years, the philanthropic sector has seen a significant shift towards adopting reparations as a fundraising strategy, especially for Black-led/Black-serving organizations. This transformative approach not only addresses historical injustices but also empowers these organizations to build a sustainable future.
It’s Summer! Time to start thinking about your year-end fundraising campaign
According to Double the Donation, 30% of annual giving happens in December, with about 10% of all donations coming in the last 3 days of the year. Now is the time to ask yourself, “What can I be doing now to prepare for a successful year-end campaign?”
By Beth Sadler, Director of Fundraising Services
It’s summer time! So, why are we talking about year-end year fundraising?
First, some quick stats. According to Double the Donation, 30% of annual giving happens in December, with about 10% of all donations coming in the last 3 days of the year.
Most of the organizations we work with at Purpose Possible have capacity to run just one or two campaigns per year, so odds are, your organization is running some sort of year-end fundraising campaign utilizing direct mail, peer-to-peer fundraising, or email blasts to your donor lists. Rather than trying to fit in the recommended six (yes, at least six!) donor asks per year, it’s critical that organizations with limited capacity focus on the quality of campaigns over quantity, with well-planned, intentional fundraising campaigns.
Now is the time to ask yourself, “What can I be doing now to prepare for a successful year-end campaign?”
Run a summer donor engagement campaign.
Regardless of the number of campaigns you run per year, any and every campaign, whether online or offline, should be treated as a year-round activity, with plenty of time for donor cultivation and stewardship built into the planning. How many times do we find ourselves staring at our annual fund donor list in October and thinking, “Darn – I should have reached out to this person earlier! If I reach out now, they know that I’m going to be asking them for another year-end gift. Was January really the last time I spoke with them?” Your current donors should be stewarded with thoughtful communication year-round, including 1-2 personalized touchpoints (phone calls, meetings, event invitations etc.) well-before another ask is made. Summer is a great time to share your organization’s impact without an ask so that by the time the end of the year rolls around, your organization is top of mind.
Think about content.
Summer can often be a good time to identify a theme that will give shape to your year-end campaign. What are some emerging themes from your organization’s work this year? Have you been focused on making a deeper or wider impact? Has it been a year of transition? Experimentation? Is your team adapting to new challenges? What have been your successes? Summertime can also be a great time to gather testimonials, conduct stakeholder feedback or interviews, and capture videos or photos of your work in action. Utilizing the summer to brainstorm themes, topline messages and content will allow you to build out your campaign more deeply in a few months.
Prepare your boards, junior board, and other volunteers to engage.
The end-of-year season is busy for everyone – work, family, holiday gatherings, vacations and staycations. By the time the end of the year comes, it’s often too late for volunteers to engage in meaningful ways. It’s never too early to start talking with your boards and other volunteers about your year-end fundraising plans. Ask them to start thinking about how they want to engage in the campaign now. Are they preparing a list to make personal asks? Are they willing to write thank you notes, make phone calls or sign letters? Can they help identify a matching or challenge gift to inspire other donors? Or perhaps the board would like time to organize a holiday-themed event that could drive donations to the campaign? There are lots of ways to engage, but now is the time to plan so that board members can provide meaningful support.
Revisit your annual development plan.
You probably have a stellar annual development plan and you’ve been sticking to it – great job! If you don't, that's ok too! By this point in the year, our work plans are probably looking a little bit different than we had imagined. New grant deadlines, lost or new funding, changing priorities – it’s okay if things have gotten a little out of whack. Work plans are iterative and should be revisited at least quarterly if not monthly to make needed adjustments. Your plan likely needs a summer refresh. There’s no better time than right now to carve out some time for writing, envelope stuffing, and letter signing. Avoid the end-of-year crunch with some intentional planning.
If you are able to work on any of these activities over the summer, you, your volunteers, and your donors will surely feel more prepared for a successful campaign come year-end.
Your future self will thank you!
Beth Sadler has more than 10 years of experience fundraising and organizing in behind-the-scenes roles to support movements for racial and social justice in D.C. and nationally. She has worked with HumanitiesDC, The Be. Org, Maryland Out of School Time Network, and Community Youth Advance, among others.
Succession Planning for Founders
Succession planning, especially for founders, can be a delicate process that requires adequate planning to ensure the organization has a roadmap for a sustainable future. Join Starsha Valentine and Rebecca Lemos Otero for an in-depth discussion of Rebecca's succession plan after founding a successful nonprofit in Washington, DC.
Are you a founder and thinking about your exit strategy? Are you a leader or board member interested in succession planning for your organization?
Succession planning, especially for founders, can be a delicate process that requires adequate planning to ensure the organization has a roadmap for a sustainable future. In this session (live on July 25, 2024), Purpose Possible Partner Starsha Valentine and Rebecca Lemos Otero (co-founder of City Blossoms) and current Executive Director of HumanitiesDC discuss Rebecca's succession plan after founding a successful nonprofit in Washington, DC.
Starsha Valentine leads the Mid Atlantic Office team of Purpose Possible in the Washington, DC area. Her team works with nonprofit organizations to primarily optimize their organizational operations including developing community-centric fundraising systems and processes, leading strategic plans, examining effective communications, and fostering organizational health and growth. We are a full-service nonprofit management firm that specializes in small to medium-sized organizations in strategic organizational design, program design, fundraising, and development strategy.
Starsha received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Howard University and a master's in Management from the University of Maryland University College. Starsha brings a visionary perspective to small business and nonprofit fundraising, integrating stakeholder engagement with realistic goals and metrics for maximum organizational effectiveness. She believes in holistic resource mobilization and values-aligned operations that are culturally responsive and justice-focused.
Rebecca Lemos Otero is a native Washingtonian who has served her community as an executive leader in the non-profit sector for more than two decades. Rebecca grounds her work in social justice and community driven programming. Before starting at HumanitiesDC in 2021, Rebecca co-founded and served as Executive Director for City Blossoms, an organization dedicated to fostering community well-being through providing safe, accessible kid-driven green spaces. Lemos Otero is a graduate of Fordham University, received an M.F.A from the Maryland Institute College of Arts and holds a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University. Whenever she gets a chance, Rebecca can be found trekking somewhere new in the world while listening to her endless list of history podcasts.
If you have any questions about this conversation or our work at Purpose Possible, please let us know!
Empowering & Developing the Next Generation
Now is the time to begin investing and preparing the next generation of leaders. The nonprofit sector is experiencing a shift, with estimates suggesting that up to 75% of U.S. nonprofit leaders plan to leave their positions in the next 5 to 10 years.
By Ed Holman, Associate Consultant with Purpose Possible
Who will be leading the nonprofit industry twenty years from now?
How will your organization advance beyond your tenure?
If you needed to stop working tomorrow, have you trained a successor?
These questions are rarely asked; however, senior leaders and even mid-career nonprofit professionals should ask themselves these questions regularly.
The nonprofit sector is experiencing a shift, with estimates suggesting that up to 75% of U.S. nonprofit leaders plan to leave their positions in the next five to ten years. Additionally, in 2023, the non-profit leadership turnover rate was 37.5%, up from 33% the previous year. Although these numbers may be alarming, there is hope. Young professionals are becoming more interested in working in the nonprofit and social impact sectors. They are pursuing education that aligns with nonprofit work, including Master of Public Administration and Nonprofit Management degrees, Nonprofit Management certifications, and even Philanthropy Studies degrees like those offered at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Now is the time to begin investing and preparing the next generation of leaders.
Invest from within
Speaking from my experience as a young professional, I have significantly benefited from leaders who have given me skills, tasks, and opportunities to grow personally and professionally. During my first full-time fundraising role at National Children's Museum, I was fortunate to have a team of leaders who invested in me daily, beyond my role. With their support, I strengthened my grant writing, individual giving, corporate, and communications skills, and more because my superiors allowed me to work with them, not just for them. Below are a few ways to do the same for your junior staff.
Invest from within by:
Allowing junior staff to shadow your work or the work of another senior leader.
Creating opportunities for junior staff to take on tasks and support other department areas usually reserved for more experienced team members. This can involve engaging mid-level donors, sitting in on your organization’s board advancement/development committee meetings, joining tours with prospective donors, providing input into strategic planning, representing the organization at community events alongside other staff members, etc.
Setting a clear path for growth within the organization and what skills should be strengthened or developed for advancement.
Invest beyond your organization
How often do you talk with junior staff about career development beyond your organization? As important as investing within your organization is, giving your junior staff the opportunity and resources to invest personally and professionally is essential. Doing so will not only benefit the team but will ultimately benefit your organization.
Invest beyond your organization by:
Encouraging team members to join a professional development organization.
A few of my favorites are:
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
For 60 years, AFP has been the standard-bearer for professionalism in fundraising, empowering individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research, and advocacy.The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN)
YNPN activates emerging leaders and helps them acquire the skills and awareness they need to be effective changemakers. With these leaders, they are building a diverse and powerful social sector that can support and strengthen our communities.National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP)
NULYP supports communities nationwide by preparing young people for school, work, and life, promoting civic engagement, financial self-sufficiency, and advocating for civil rights.
If possible, allocate funds for conferences, professional development, and other resources.
This can include:
Industry conferences (virtually or in person) such as the ones offered through AFP. There are often discounts and scholarships for young nonprofit professionals and staff of color.
A membership to a professional organization.
Subscriptions to blogs, studies, and other professional development resources such as The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
Tip: you can purchase just one or a few memberships for the whole organization.
The bottom line is…
We must invest in the next generation now. Nonprofits that empower and build the next generation of leaders will ensure the success of their organization and the vital resources they provide to communities. Investing in younger staff will lead to better results for the whole sector, not just one organization.
Ed Holman is an Associate Fundraising Consultant with Purpose Possible. He has a range of experience securing funds, building relationships, and fostering engaging and inclusive environments in youth development, higher education, and cultural institutions. Ed currently works with 4DaSoil Collective, Appalachian Regional Commission, Fertile Ground Food Cooperative, HumanitiesDC, and Mi Casa.
Making Your Purpose Possible Through Strategy
How does a strategic plan relate to the day to day operations, programming, fundraising initiatives? We see this tension with many of our clients, so let’s look at some specifics around how strategic planning is an essential tool for fundraising in your organization.
The critical relationship between strategic planning and fundraising
Written by
Purpose Possible Team Members
Susannah Darrow - Founding Partner
&
Natalia Garzón Martínez - Consultant
A lot of nonprofit professionals have heard the term “strategic plan.” Sometimes we are excited by it, and sometimes it feels like another task to add to an ever growing list of to dos. It seems appealing to go through a process that will help an organization align its programs with its mission, and define clear steps to success in the years to come. But how does it relate to the day to day operations, programming, fundraising initiatives? We see this tension with many of our clients, so let’s look at some specifics around how strategic planning is an essential tool for fundraising in your organization.
Establish or Reinforce Vision and Mission
Understanding how your vision and mission relate to your day to day operations creates accountability for your organization. When funders look through your organization’s messaging (website, social media, annual reports, etc.) they should be able to see a clear and concise alignment. A strategic plan helps you achieve this by focusing on:
Clarity and Consistency: You will have clear answers to questions around your what, your how, and your why.
Public Perception: You will streamline messaging so that the public's perception of your organization is aligned with community needs and donor expectations.
Internal Alignment: Your staff and board will have a framework for understanding the organization's impact, which is essential for engaging donors effectively.
Goal Setting and Competitive Advantage
By setting clear goals and strategic priorities, you are positioning your organization as a unique entity that can adequately compete with others. A strategic plan is a straight path to achieve:
Guided Fundraising: In having a clear direction you will clearly express to funders where resources should be allocated and why.
Unique Positioning: You will understand why your organization is uniquely qualified and positioned to receive support, giving you a competitive advantage.
Focus and Direction: Funders and donors will value clearly defined areas of need, and you will be able to target your applications and requests in a more focused way.
Resource Allocation and Long-Term Sustainability
We can’t finish this blog post without talking about sustainability! Prioritizing the present is necessary, but so is understanding how your organization will continue to be resilient and successful into the future. Sustainability is a priority in strategic planning through:
Resource Prioritization: You will identify priorities and resource needs, ensuring that fundraising efforts in the future are tailored to meet the changing needs of your organization.
Capacity Building: You will identify areas for building organizational capacity into the future, and fundraising efforts can be directed towards these operational costs.
Sustainability: You will have a clearer vision on the long-term sustainability of your organization, which you can communicate to donors to secure ongoing support and diversify funding sources.
All in all, strategic planning is not just a buzzword! It is a vital tool for nonprofits to achieve their purpose, fundraising included! By aligning vision and mission, setting clear goals, and ensuring long-term sustainability, your organization can enhance their fundraising efforts and secure funding to help make their mission a reality.
To Hire In or Out? That is the question.
When running a nonprofit organization, every decision carries significant weight, especially when it comes to staffing. The choice between hiring an employee (hiring in) or a consultant (hiring out) is significant, with numerous factors to consider.
Client Relations Manager
with Purpose Possible
When running a nonprofit organization, every decision carries significant weight, especially when it comes to staffing. The choice between hiring an employee (hiring in) or a consultant (hiring out) is significant, with numerous factors to consider. Both options come with their own set of pros and cons and understanding these can help nonprofit leaders make informed decisions that align with their organization's goals and resources.
As one-half of Purpose Possible’s small but mighty business development team, I have the pleasure of navigating many of these questions with different organizations. Because I often have a front-row seat into what goes into an organization's thought process, I wanted to walk you through some of the questions and doubts that organizations of varying sizes have when making this decision. I hope that this guide can help you and the organization you represent make a more informed decision when thinking about hiring in or out. Because yes, that is always the question!
Here are some of the concerns and questions we get, and the answers we give:
Doubt #1: Consultants are entirely too expensive!
Our response: Not always true! In most cases, the cost to hire a consultant vs. a full-time staff person is much less expensive. Because the consultants you work with are not joining your organization as employees, there are a lot of costs (not to mention time and energy) that you don’t have to consider when hiring out. These costs include benefits like PTO, insurance, 401k, office space, technology.
Also, depending on your needs, we can work with you to customize a scope of work that fits your organization's budget.
Doubt #2 : We can’t get enough work done hiring someone “part-time.”
Our response: According to Zippia, the average “full-time” employee spends 4 hours and 12 minutes actively working per day. Because our team members are NOT employees, our time is solely focused on the task at hand.
By leveraging a consultant, an organization can often work with senior and experienced team members who are self-directed, results-oriented, and able to focus on revenue-generating tasks.
Doubt #3: We don’t want to get bounced around between consultants.
Our response: You absolutely won’t! We promise! Unless a consultant goes on leave, exits the firm, or there is just a mismatch between consultant and organization, with Purpose Possible, you have a dedicated consultant or consultant team. You will be able to develop a robust and intentional relationship with the consultant(s) you work with to create consistency and continuity for your projects.
Doubt #4: A consultant can’t possibly understand my mission/vision unless they are hired full-time.
Our response: We think of ourselves as an extension of your staff, meaning your mission is our mission. We work to fully understand your mission so that we, as a team, can fulfill it. Our team of dedicated professionals is passionate about seeing good happen in our respective communities. Your organization's growth and sustainability bring us joy and that truly is our purpose.
Doubt #5: If I hire a consultant for one project, I’ll become dependent on consultants forever.
Our response: Not at all! We are here to help build sustainability. Our consultants come from working in nonprofits and they know firsthand what it’s like to try to do it all: fundraising, writing strategic planning, managing employees and a board of directors, and keeping up with marketing and social media. Something is bound to fall through the cracks! While we know that nonprofit executives wear MANY hats, you don’t have to! Outsource what you can so that you can focus on the most important task: moving your mission forward. When we conclude a contract, we make sure you have all the tools you need to continue to succeed, including a check-in call after the project ends for any remaining questions you may have.
The decision to hire a consultant or a full-time employee is not a one-size-fits-all and should be guided by the unique needs, priorities, and resources of each organization. So if you are still grappling with this decision, maybe this will help:
In summary, the decision to hire a consultant or a full-time employee for your organization is a significant one. While both options have benefits, understanding the specific needs and resources of your organization can help you make an informed decision. If you still have questions or would like to discuss your options further, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help guide you through this decision-making process and support your organization's mission and goals.