Every day, more and more nonprofits are facing increasing fiscal uncertainty as the U.S. government cuts longstanding programs and grant funding. At Candid, we understand what’s at stake—and we’re taking immediate action to support the nonprofits hit hardest. Our data reveals that at least 30% of U.S. nonprofits receive government grants, and for more than 35,000 of them, those grants make up over half of their total revenue. Many of these organizations are already operating with limited resources, serving critical needs in communities that can ill afford service disruptions.
While the long-term policy outlook remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Nonprofits need support now. Candid is meeting this moment by delivering targeted, timely solutions to bolster organizations through data, education, and peer connection.
To help nonprofits across the country pivot, adapt, and move forward, we are supporting them to:
1. Find foundation funders through complimentary access to Foundation Directory
For all eligible small nonprofits who participate in our Go for Gold program, we’ve upgraded access to our best-in-class prospect research tool, Foundation Directory Professional. This tool helps nonprofits identify and connect with over 240,000 U.S. grantmakers, making it easier to uncover new sources of foundation funding.
Candid will also extend complimentary access to Foundation Directory Professional to organizations with under $10 million in annual revenue that have lost federal funding and have earned a 2025 Gold Seal of Transparency.
To take advantage of free access to Foundation Directory Professional and uncover alternative funding opportunities, please email support@candid.org.
2. Build expertise in alternative fundraising methods
Staff at many affected organizations may have deep expertise in securing federal funding but limited experience cultivating individual donors, pitching to corporate partners, or navigating foundation funding. Candid’s team of experts have developed a new intensive training designed specifically for seasoned government grantseekers who need to pivot quickly. Participants will learn concrete strategies to diversify revenue, assess risk, build donor relationships, and craft compelling cases for support tailored to new audiences.
Register for the Funding beyond federal: How to diversify funding to ensure stability in uncertain times training on May 12, 2025, 1–4 p.m. ET.
3. Co-create action-oriented solutions with peer organizations
Innovation often comes from the ground up, so Candid is convening issue area-specific peer learning groups to provide space for nonprofits that have lost federal funding to tackle challenges, share real-time strategies, and build community. For nonprofits focused on human services, education, health, or other impacted fields, these gatherings will provide opportunities to exchange insights and develop solutions with others navigating similar circumstances.
Sign up to receive Candid learning newsletters to stay up to date on upcoming sessions related to your nonprofit’s mission area.
Looking ahead
The scale of lost federal support is significant—and philanthropy alone cannot replace it. Equipping nonprofit leaders with the tools to thrive in this challenging environment is part of Candid’s broader commitment to supporting the social sector with real-time, data-driven resources. As the funding landscape continues to evolve, we will stay focused on listening to what organizations need, surfacing actionable insights, and building tools that help nonprofits respond and adapt.
The post Meeting the moment: Candid’s response to federal funding disruptions appeared first on Candid insights.
