A month ago, we were in the halls of Congress alongside philanthropy leaders across the country at Foundations on the Hill, bringing our united voices to our elected officials about what’s at stake with the policy decisions they are making. 

In our conversations with congressional offices, one message rang clear - philanthropy must keep showing up. Nearly every policymaker and staffer we spoke with emphasized the critical role our sector plays in surfacing the real-time experiences of communities. As federal funding hangs in the balance and executive actions continue to disrupt government operations, lawmakers are turning to us to help them understand the consequences in our communities and impacts to our nonprofit partners.  

We find ourselves operating in an increasingly unpredictable landscape. Grants and contracts canceled or terminated without notice or basis. Administrative actions bypassing congressional oversight. An escalating need for services and supports for our most vulnerable communities. For philanthropy, this is not the moment to step back. It’s the time to lean in with steadiness, purpose and an unwavering commitment to advance greater equity and justice in our communities in the face of extraordinary headwinds.  

Philanthropy Northwest remains steadfast in our mission: to grow philanthropy’s capacity to do the transformative work of redistributing resources and power to underinvested communities in the Northwest. We are not backing away, regardless of political shifts or pressures to remain neutral. In fact, our values compel us to act with even greater urgency. 

While the climate may create pressure to pull back, we know that our commitment to our core values can’t be sidelined. In fact, moments like this test whether our values hold true under the most stressful of circumstances. This work requires consistency, partnership and courage. 

Advocacy Is Not Optional

Advocacy has long been a part of Philanthropy Northwest’s DNA. We believe policy is a powerful lever for change, and our sector has both the privilege and the responsibility to use it. This year, our regional delegation traveled to D.C. with a shared message: funders and nonprofits are witnessing firsthand how federal disruptions are destabilizing local efforts, and we are ready to partner with policymakers to address it. 

Here are just a few takeaways from our time on the Hill: 

• We need to share what’s happening on the ground. Offices across the board told us that federal agencies aren’t communicating clearly with Congress. The stories, data and examples we bring forward from the field are often their only window to the impact of funding and staffing freezes, along with unprecedented shifts in agency policies and practices. This is our opportunity to be an essential source of information in this moment.
• Advocacy makes a difference. In two congressional offices we visited, staff shared that their representatives changed their votes last term on HR 9495 –  a bill that would authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to revoke the nonprofit status of organizations accused of terrorist activities without sufficient due process – based on strong advocacy from constituents in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, including voices from our Philanthropy Northwest network. We know that showing up matters.
• There’s still work to do to educate Congress about philanthropy. Many lawmakers were receptive to discussions on how philanthropy works alongside government, not as a substitute for public funding but as a flexible partner that can help strengthen community resilience. Sharing examples of our ability to respond quickly, build relationships and support innovation in ways government can’t always do ensures philanthropy is part of the conversation as we advocate for better public-nonprofit partnerships. 

A Call To Action

We are especially proud of how our delegation lifted up regional priorities like access to childcare, food security, affordable housing and education. These are the issues that matter most in our communities, and are at high risk if current actions remain unchecked.  

To our network, we offer this call to action: 

• Help us tell the story. We need to continue lifting up our voices. Share what you're seeing on the ground. We launched a story bank so lawmakers have the data and anecdotes they need to prevent further deterioration of checks and balances.
• Engage across the aisle. We heard directly from legislative offices that strengthening relationships across party lines is crucial. We must ensure more policymakers are hearing directly from philanthropy about the long-term implications of federal actions.
• Stay engaged beyond D.C. Advocacy doesn’t end with one trip to Capitol Hill. We need to frequently engage, organize site visits with lawmakers and continue reinforcing the vital role of nonprofits in meeting community needs.

Holding the Line On Our Values

In times like these, it can be tempting to retreat into what feels safe or neutral. But neutrality often benefits the status quo, and the status quo hasn’t served all communities equitably. 

It is imperative for philanthropy to be advocates for our nonprofit community who are bearing the weight of delivering services and support in a tenuous funding and policy environment. Our sector has the power to be a stabilizing force, and we have the responsibility to use that power wisely. 

As we move deeper into 2025, let’s continue showing up for each other and for the communities who count on us to lead with clarity and courage. Together, we can keep pushing for a future rooted in justice, equity and shared possibility.