Image of Capitol Building at sunset with a superimposed image at the bottom that contains the words: "Ending Radial and Wasteful Government" before being cut off. This is from an Executive Order posted on January 20, 2025.

In Wake of Funding Pauses, There’s Hope in the Charitable Act

Rachel Santos

Director of Marketing

The recent announcement of a federal funding and grant pause, effective January 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET, has sent ripples across the nonprofit sector. This decision, aimed at reviewing DEI initiatives and environmental priorities, raises significant concerns for our clients, colleagues, and partners—concerns about program continuity, financial stability, and the potential impact on the communities you serve.

Amid this uncertainty, hope emerges. The Charitable Act is expected to be debated in Congress as early as this week. If enacted, this legislation would grant a universal charitable deduction to non-itemizers, unlocking up to $20 billion in additional charitable giving annually. With growing bipartisan support, the Charitable Act represents a promising step toward ensuring nonprofits have the resources they need to thrive. It is truly a game-changer for philanthropy.

What you can do today to advocate for your mission:
  • Engage your lawmakers: Advocacy is a powerful tool. Use pre-written forms from trusted organizations like the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) to email your representatives.
  • Join coalitions: Align yourself with advocacy groups such as the Charitable Giving Coalition, which is championing the Charitable Act.

We're here to support you.

While the outcome of the federal funding pause remains uncertain, we are closely monitoring this situation and its implications for the nonprofit sector. The Winkler Group is committed to keeping you informed and providing the resources and guidance you need to navigate these changes. We will continue to share updates and recommendations as more information becomes available.

Rachel Santos is director of marketing for the Winkler Group. Rachel connects nonprofit partners with resources they can use to impact their communities—providing industry insights, research, and strategy so that they can expand their reach in carrying out their missions and making a difference. Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn.

Latest Resources & Events

Image of a calendar and hourglass for blog "How to Develop a Year-Round Fundraising Calendar"

Fundamentals: How to Develop a Year-Round Fundraising Calendar

January 08, 2025

This blog, part of our Fundamentals series, provides essential steps for developing a year-round fundraising calendar. Learn how to assess your current operations, set long-term goals, and plan detailed activities to stay organized and drive mission impact.

The Revenge of the Everyday Donor

January 02, 2025

For too long, the everyday donor has been overlooked in favor of major gifts and megadonors, leaving the nonprofit sector vulnerable. This article explores how societal shifts, tax reforms, and declining trust have fueled a generosity crisis—and why it's time to refocus on everyday donors as the backbone of philanthropy.

Ready to launch a capital campaign?

What can we help you find?