Finding Hope in Nonprofit Work: How to Take Action When Everything Feels Lost

This week has been heavy.

The nonprofit sector where many of us have chosen to build lives and careers in, is under attack. Hope seems hard to find.

Starting a new program, or submitting a grant application seems like last thing you want to do, when your entire organization is at risk of being shut down.

The future seems dark. When I go online, I feel it. You don’t see light posts anymore, commenting on the trivial, the mundane.

Instead, every conversation is driven by survival instincts. The underlying question, seems to be “How Do We Get Through This?”

The answer, I believe, can be found in hope.

The Reality: Acknowledging the Challenges

The nonprofit sector in the United States is facing one of its most challenging periods in recent history. In 2025, organizations are struggling with federal funding freezes, workforce shortages, and rising costs, all while demand for services has never been higher.

Major nonprofits are restructuring, laying off employees, and adapting to an increasingly uncertain future.

Before finding hope, we must first acknowledge the struggles. The current landscape presents obstacles such as:

• Financial Uncertainty: Many nonprofits depend on government grants and philanthropic funding, both of which are facing reductions and delays.
• Layoffs and Burnout: Nonprofit professionals are often overworked, and recent cutbacks have forced many to take on additional responsibilities.
• Increased Demand for Services: As economic pressures grow, more individuals and communities rely on nonprofits, stretching already limited resources.

While these challenges may seem overwhelming, the nonprofit sector has always been rooted in resilience. Hope is not found in ignoring the difficulties but in taking meaningful action despite them.

If You Are a Sector Partner: Finding Hope Through Action

As a volunteer, donor, or community member who supports nonprofits, you play a crucial role in strengthening organizations when they need it most. Here’s how you can turn concern into impact:

1. Continue to Volunteer

Many nonprofits are struggling with staffing shortages, making volunteers more essential than ever. Whether you can give an hour a week or commit to a long-term role, your efforts can fill critical gaps. Look for local organizations that match your skills and interests, and remember that consistency makes the biggest impact.

2. Advocate and Raise Awareness

Nonprofits often work on issues that need public and legislative support. You can be an advocate by:

• Sharing credible information on social media about the struggles facing nonprofits.
• Contacting elected officials to push for policies that support nonprofit funding.
• Attending community meetings or rallies to show solidarity with causes you care about.

3. Support Organizations Financially, Even in Small Ways

Even modest, recurring donations can help stabilize nonprofits during tough times. If direct giving isn’t an option, consider organizing a fundraiser, encouraging your employer to offer matching donations, or shopping at businesses that support local charities.

4. Connect Nonprofits to Resources and Networks

If you have expertise in finance, marketing, technology, or legal services, offer pro bono support. Additionally, connect nonprofits to businesses or networks that can provide grants, sponsorships, or in-kind donations.

We have made all of our DEI courses free. It is the small bit that we can do to improve the sector.

If You Work for a Nonprofit: Daily Actions to Move the Mission Forward

For those working within a nonprofit, finding hope often means focusing on the tangible steps you can take each day. Here’s how to stay mission-driven amid the chaos:

1. Focus on What You Can Control

Nonprofit professionals often face overwhelming to-do lists, but breaking tasks into manageable steps helps maintain momentum. Instead of worrying about factors beyond your reach (e.g., funding delays), prioritize actions that directly serve your mission.

2. Strengthen Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with colleagues to find innovative solutions to shared problems.
• Hold regular check-ins to ensure workloads are balanced and morale is supported.
• Share best practices across teams to increase efficiency and reduce stress.

3. Adapt and Innovate

• Explore new fundraising strategies, such as digital campaigns, peer-to-peer fundraising, or AI-assisted donor engagement.
• Test small-scale pilot programs before launching major initiatives.
• Seek partnerships with other nonprofits to share resources and reduce duplication of efforts.

4. Take Care of Yourself and Your Team

Burnout is a major concern in the nonprofit sector. Protecting your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as serving the community. Encourage:

• Setting Boundaries: Avoid taking work home every night.
• Building a Support System: Lean on colleagues for encouragement and problem-solving.
• Celebrating Small Wins: Acknowledge every milestone, no matter how small.

5. Stay Rooted in the Mission

When facing financial uncertainty or external pressures, remember why you entered the nonprofit sector in the first place. Reconnecting with your organization’s core mission can reinvigorate your passion and provide clarity when making tough decisions.

The Resilience of the Nonprofit Sector

The nonprofit sector has weathered many storms, from economic recessions to political shifts. History has shown that organizations that adapt, innovate, and remain connected to their communities emerge stronger. Consider past crises where nonprofits have risen to the occasion:

• The 2008 Financial Crisis: Many organizations pivoted to digital fundraising and social media campaigns, which are now standard practices.
• The COVID-19 Pandemic: Nonprofits found new ways to serve communities virtually and strengthened local partnerships.

Today’s challenges, while daunting, will lead to new strategies and solutions that shape the sector’s future.

Conclusion: Holding on to Hope

While the nonprofit sector faces immense hurdles in 2025, hope is not lost. For sector partners, volunteering, advocating, and supporting nonprofits financially can make a significant impact.

For those working within nonprofits, focusing on daily actions, collaboration, and innovation can help move missions forward. The power of collective effort and resilience ensures that even in the toughest times, nonprofits—and the communities they serve—can find a way forward.

If you’re feeling discouraged, remember: the nonprofit sector has always been about people helping people. Your work, no matter how small, is part of something bigger. In the face of uncertainty, action is the best antidote to despair. Choose to be part of the solution, and together, we will create a better future.

If there is anything I personally, can do to help you or your organization, reach out. DM me, or send an email to hello@pharononprofit.com