Resources to Navigate Uncertainty

North Carolina nonprofits are feeling the pressure and anxiety of trying to meet their missions while navigating the whirlwind of changes in federal funding and policies. Below are resources and tools to help organizations prepare and stay grounded. You’re not in this alone – we’re in it with you.

We’ll continue to update this page. Feel free to share additional resources that you’ve found helpful.

 

Executive Orders

Chart of Executive Orders Affecting Charitable Nonprofits, National Council of Nonprofits
Continually updated outline of executive orders directly or indirectly affecting nonprofits

OMB Pause on Federal Grants to Nonprofits, North Carolina Center for Nonprofits
Updates and FAQs on the Executive Order to pause federal grant funds

Executive Order on Election Administration, North Carolina Center for Nonprofits
Updates and clarity on the Executive Order seeking to change federal election processes

 

Financial Management

12 Urgent Financial Action Steps for Nonprofits: A 2025 Checklist, Nonprofit Financial Commons
Actionable checklist to build your organization’s ongoing access to unrestricted and liquid dollars and use your network and advocacy to protect yourself, nonprofits in our communities, and the people being politically targeted

When Financial Stress Hits Your Nonprofit, Try These Steps, Nonprofit Risk Management Center
No-cost steps nonprofits can take to address and plan for financial and operational concerns

Building Resilience in Uncertain Times, Nonprofit Finance Fund
Financial tools, guides, and webinars to prepare for uncertainty

 

Scenario & Emergency Planning

Nonprofit Checklist: Conducting a Risk Assessment for Federal Funding, National Council of Nonprofits
Initial steps nonprofits can take to assess risks in light of federal funding uncertainty

Environmental Scanning: How To Get Started, Funding for Good
Steps to get a snapshot of an organization’s current operating context and how it could affect decision-making, operations, and impact

Grantseeking in Uncertain Times, GrantStation
Actionable strategies for securing grants

Leading Your Nonprofit Through Change and Uncertainty, Prosper Strategies
Strategies for navigating financial instability, diversifying revenue in response to potential federal funding threats, scenario planning to keep your nonprofit prepared for whatever the current administration and world throws at it, and maintaining morale among nonprofit teams

How to Simplify and Streamline During a Crisis, Nonprofit Risk Management Center
Steps to identify essential programs and operations and adjust strategies to navigate through disruptions effectively

Nonprofit Scenario Planning in an Age of Chaos, LaPiana
Potential scenarios from good to catastrophic and how to create adaptive strategies for each

 

Operations & Compliance

General FAQs on Executive Actions Impacting Nonprofits, National Council of Nonprofits
Answers to nonprofits’ frequently asked questions about executive orders and actions

Nonprofit Checklist: What To Do When Your Federal Grant or Contract Is Terminated, National Council of Nonprofits
Steps nonprofits should take if they learn their federal grant or contract has been terminated

Navigating a Potential Federal Grant Freeze, GrantStation
Actionable strategies to navigate federal funding

Nonprofit Legal Compliance in an Unfriendly Political Environment, Nonprofit Quarterly
Checklist of compliance matters to help nonprofits prepare to address any threats

Legal Compliance Checklist for North Carolina Nonprofits, North Carolina Center for Nonprofits
Comprehensive checklist of laws that affect NC nonprofits’ governance, finances, advocacy, human resources, and fundraising to help organizations maintain compliance

 

Transparency & Communication

Diversity Is Not a Dirty Word: A 5-Point Checklist to Survive DEI Messaging, NonProfitPRO
Checklist to lean into your DEI messaging strategy in this critical moment and live your organizational values long-term

     

    Advocacy

    Tracking Federal Actions Impacting the Nonprofit Sector, GrantStation
    Key insights into the current funding climate and strategies to stay ahead

    Building Working Relationships with Lawmakers Who Make You Cringe, North Carolina Center for Nonprofits
    Strategies to build and maintain relationships with lawmakers to help influence the best possible policy decisions that affect your organization and community

    Share Your Story. Every day, nonprofits make a difference in communities across North Carolina. But too often, their impact is overlooked or misrepresented. Right now, we need your help to lift up and amplify the incredible work of our sector. Please share your story with the National Council of Nonprofits, our powerful national network working hard to advocate for nonprofits like yours across the country, and encourage others in your network who may have a story to tell to do the same.

     

    For Ongoing Information & Updates