Is the Non-Profit Sector Under Attack?
Yes! It Is! How can the sector fight back?
Nonprofit organizations, especially smaller ones, are facing increasing scrutiny and even attacks from political, legislative, and public fronts. I recently read the article “How to Fend Off Attacks on Nonprofits—Three Key Strategies” in Non-Profit Quarterly. The article highlights the urgent need for nonprofits to proactively defend their missions, their legitimacy, and their role in civil society. For leaders of small nonprofits, understanding and implementing these strategies is essential not only for organizational survival but also for sustaining the broader social good that nonprofits deliver.
As we know, small nonprofits often operate with limited resources and staff, making them particularly vulnerable to external threats. Attacks can come in the form of legislative efforts to restrict nonprofit activities, public misinformation campaigns, or direct challenges to their funding and legitimacy. The article’s core message is that passivity is not an option: nonprofits must be prepared to actively defend themselves and the sector as a whole.
One of the most actionable insights from the article is the importance of advocacy. Many nonprofit leaders, especially those at smaller organizations, may feel hesitant to engage in advocacy due to fears of jeopardizing their tax-exempt status or alienating donors. However, the article and its commentators clarify that while foundations have specific lobbying restrictions, they—and their grantees—can and should advocate for their missions and the value of the nonprofit sector. Advocacy is not just about lobbying lawmakers; it is about telling your story, educating the public, and making the case for the essential services and social benefits nonprofits provide. This can take the form of meeting with elected officials, writing op-eds, or mobilizing supporters to speak out on behalf of your organization and the broader sector.
Another key takeaway is the necessity of reframing the public narrative around nonprofits. Too often, the sector is seen as peripheral or as serving only a narrow group of beneficiaries. In reality, nonprofits touch the lives of nearly everyone—whether through youth sports leagues, arts organizations, health clinics, or community groups. Leaders should not shy away from highlighting these connections in their communications and outreach. By showing how nonprofits benefit all segments of society, organizations can build broader coalitions of support and make it more difficult for detractors to paint the sector as self-serving or unnecessary.
The article also underscores the importance of unity and mutual support within the nonprofit sector. When one organization is attacked, it is not just an isolated incident; it is a threat to the entire sector. Small nonprofits may feel isolated, but by joining forces with other organizations—locally, statewide, or nationally—they can amplify their voices and share resources for defense. This solidarity can be contagious, emboldening more organizations to stand up and speak out. It is through collective action that the sector can present a “deep and wide united front” against efforts to undermine civil society.
For leaders of small nonprofits, these strategies may seem daunting, especially amid daily operational challenges. However, the article makes clear that the alternative—silence and inaction—only strengthens those who seek to weaken the sector. Even small steps, such as training staff and board members in advocacy, reaching out to local media, or participating in sector-wide coalitions, can make a significant difference. It is also important to recognize that nonprofit workers make up a substantial portion of the workforce, and nearly everyone has some connection to the sector. By encouraging staff, volunteers, and supporters to speak up in their communities and networks, small nonprofits can help shift public opinion and build resilience against attacks.
Ultimately, the article’s guidance is both a warning and a call to action. The threats facing nonprofits are real, but so is the sector’s collective power. By embracing advocacy, reframing the narrative, and building solidarity, small nonprofit leaders can not only defend their organizations but also strengthen the foundation of civil society for everyone.