In a recent survey conducted by Community Foundation Boulder County, 62% of area nonprofits said their work had been impacted or was expected to be impacted by federal executive orders or policy shifts. Organizations report having to end or modify services, programs and language — including some expansions in services and programs.
When asked if their organizations had “experienced funding disruptions due to federal changes,”
• 19% said they were “still experiencing disruption”
• 6% were impacted but had funding restored
• 48% worried their “funding was at risk”
Only 10% of Boulder County nonprofits feel prepared to meet financial challenges, according to a separate Community Foundation survey; 72% do not have enough reserves on hand to cover six months of operating expenses.
That in and of itself is “not unusual,” said Severin Lier, director of communications for Community Foundation. “That said, the fact that an overwhelming majority of nonprofits lack reserves is especially notable now, given the major funding streams that are disappearing. Those funds are difficult to replace and can be a big concern for organizations that not only lack reserves but, as we saw through our survey, are also seeing increased demand from the communities they serve.”
Community Foundation Boulder County is launching a Resilience Fund to help nonprofits with education, resilience and financial support, Lier said.
Ninety-six organizations responded to the survey, just a fraction of the 300-plus nonprofits located in Boulder County.