A take from Maile on the federal funding freeze.
 

For many of my colleagues serving in non-profit organizations, for community-aid programs or public services, you left work yesterday with a good portion of concern. I was one of millions who received one, if not several emails, notifying me that one or more of my program’s funding was on hold due to an executive order.

It was alarming. Unsettling. Fear-inducing. Question-raising. If it was all those things, I feel you.

For us, with a quick front-facing assessment, many of our potentially impacted programs and funds are in the second quarter or later. I know many of my fellow executive directors are not in the same boat. 

For us, the client impact is yet to be known. Many of our agencies, groups, and clients use grants to pay for their trainings and events held with us. There is a good chance, depending onj timeliness and final resolutions, the impact will be felt within weeks.
But I am not writing this to be woeful. I am not championing a party cause or issuing a statement how I feel about any politician. Instead, I want to offer hope and perspective. 

What this time offers us is an opportunity to share our stories and our “why” with our communities. It offers us the opportunity to highlight our impact on those we serve. Share the processes, answer the questions to how and why these funds impact you and are vital. Invite people to the table for an engaging and educational conversation. Find and share your silver linings. 

Or you could be mad and filter your actions through rage.  It won't be productive though.

We are committed community leaders. The things we do and offer within our communities are important and necessary. We have overcome a pandemic and depending on your location, likely one or many of the following: floods, fires, tornados, hurricanes, etc.  Not to mention a recession, inflation, and low corn prices. We can do hard things and good things. And we know we can do good things when things are hard. We absolutely can do this.
Take a deep breath. Remember the work you and your colleagues do is important. Find your grit and embrace it. Keep your "why" in focus and make a plan. Identify your partners, create alliances and collaborations. Be agile and open to new ideas. Also, be sure to give yourself and your team some grace under this new pressure. 

It is likely that much of this could and will be cleared up in the courts. As many are tirelessly working through the filings and figuring out plans of actions, remember that you and your organization aren't alone. Check on your fellow colleagues and offer encouragement. 
I absolutely do not have all the answers. Like many, I have real concerns and even harder decisions to make, but refuse let those things dim my purpose or my light. I hope you do not either.
Keep on keeping on and doing the good work! Maile

Parting Thoughts:

• Uncertain of how to handle funding questions? Call your funding agency. Before you do, write your questions out. They are being inundated with questions. Respect their time and their answers.
• Are there other resources? Consider contacting your state chamber or industry association. Likely they have feet on the ground navigating these issues and can offer helpful information. The US Chamber also has several resources.
• Can I speed this process up? Nope. But you can call your congressman or email them your concerns.
• I am just a community member, how can I help? Call your favorite nonprofit or service agency and see if they are impacted. Offer to volunteer or if you are able, donate.