Federal funding for nonprofits is in flux.

A recent White House memo led to a freeze on funding, only for a federal judge to put it on hold. Meanwhile, key public health datasets disappeared, with some now being reinstated.

What does this mean for nonprofits relying on federal support?

In this episode, we break down the latest legal battles, agency shifts, and what nonprofits can do to stay ahead.

Skip Ahead:

(01:15) The funding freeze—where things stand now

(02:13) The datasets that were removed (and partially restored)

(03:21) What these changes mean for federal grants and contracts

(05:10) How nonprofits can advocate and prepare for more uncertainty

Building strong university-community partnerships isn’t easy.

Power imbalances, competing goals, and trust issues can get in the way, turning good intentions into missed opportunities.

So how can nonprofits and universities work together more effectively?

In this episode, Roger and I sit down with Toye Watson, Director of Community Impact at UNC Charlotte, to unpack the common challenges and share how to create partnerships that truly work.

Skip Ahead:

(00:52) Why communities are looking beyond government solutions and what that means for partnerships.

(05:10) What UNC Charlotte’s urbanCORE is trying to accomplish.

(11:23) The reason some collaboration efforts don’t work out.

(16:37) The first thing nonprofits should do if they want to build university partnerships

(24:32)  What’s different about a partnership with local nonprofit versus a city government and how you might approach those differently

(29:01) How urbanCORE supported the Three Sisters Market, a food collaborative in West Charlotte

Connect with Toye Watson and learn more about urbanCORE.

• Learn more about the Data-Driven Leadership Series (The Strategist, The Analyst, The Storyteller)

  
  

  Read the full show notes HERE.

In the first weeks of the new administration, a series of executive orders have introduced significant policy changes affecting nonprofits.

These cover areas like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), gender and LGBTQ+ rights, international aid, and immigration.

It raises critical questions about compliance, funding stability, and long-term program sustainability.

In this episode, Drew breaks down what these changes mean for nonprofit organizations connected to these areas and how they can adapt.

Skip Ahead:

(01:21) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

(04:03) Gender, sexual orientation, and LGBTQ+ services.

(07:59) International aid, environmental initiatives, and immigration.

(09:59) What can nonprofits do to adapt.

Read the full show notes HERE.