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V O L . X X X I N O. X X I I G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 2 5 – 2 0 2 6 6 GIVING GUIDE N onprofits nationwide are grappling with widespread federal funding cuts and ter- minated grants initiated by the Trump Administration. In response to unexpected budget changes, Maine nonprofits are find- ing creative ways to adapt by pooling resources, finding alternative fund- ing, and partnering with one another. Inflation, economic uncertainty and rising demand for services as families also face rising costs are all impacting the sector. e ripple effect has a particularly potent impact on Maine, which has a higher than national average non- profit workforce population. Nation- ally, one out of every 10 workers is employed by a charitable nonprofit, but in Maine 17% of the workforce, meaning one out of every six workers in the state is employed by a chari- table 501 (c) (3)nonprofit, according to the Maine Association of Nonprofits. Mainebiz asked nonprofit lead- ers how their organizations are responding to cuts in federal funding. Here are the responses, in their own words. Cultivating partnerships, prioritizing clients Mufalo Chitam Executive director, Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition Maine Immigrants' Rights Coali- tion member organizations are cur- rently under significant stress, adapt- ing to funding losses, policy changes, and a growing fear among immigrant community members. While this period presents more challenges than opportunities, we are addressing these issues through three key strategies. • Encouraging collaborative appli- cations to maximize funding. • We are focusing on prioritizing client-funded initiatives, particularly through a fee-for-service partner model. • Diversifying funding and build- ing reserves: Establishing "rainy day funds" while developing new business relationships to secure varied funding streams. MIRC has extensive experi- ence leading coordinated coalition responses — in partnership with government and other partners — to provide emergency direct assistance to immigrant families during times of hardship. Specifically, MIRC led its coalition and partners in coordinat- ing state and municipal systems to support emergency crises the Asy- lum Seekers Portland EXPO in 2019 and 2023, and immigrant communi- ties broadly throughout the 2020-22 COVID Pandemic. We are uniquely positioned to coordinate a rapid response across our members and partners, support- ing Maine-based, immigrant-serving organizations as they navigate fund- ing freezes and policy changes. is approach will allow us to foster coor- dination and mitigate competition, channeling funds and expertise to our community-based member organi- zations, thereby strengthening their voice and position in our state. Doubling down to oppose funding cuts Cullen Ryan Executive director, Community Housing of Maine Community Housing of Maine creates homes and inclusive com- munities. CHOM believes everyone deserves to be housed. CHOM devel- ops, owns and maintains high-quality supportive housing as well as afford- able housing for working families and older people. e housing development and operation relies almost entirely on federal funding; federal funding cuts to Medicaid, rental assistance pro- grams and SNAP will be devastat- ing. We are undertaking contingency planning for federal funding cuts. CHOM has historically relied on positive word of mouth and its strong reputation to generate dona- tions. It has tended to hide discreetly in the background while its housing forms the backbone for collabora- tive supportive housing partnerships with 55 service provider agencies from Nonprofit leaders weigh their financial futures B y S l o a n e M . P e r r o n Budgetary crossroads C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 8 » ADOBE S TOC K PH OTO / YU R I I MUFALO CHITAM Executive director, Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition