Webinar: The First 100 Days & Beyond
The first 100 days of the new administration brought sweeping changes that immediately began reshaping the nonprofit sector. From executive orders and staffing shifts to agency closures and budgetary uncertainty, organizations have been on high alert questioning what to do and what’s coming next. After publishing 14 weekly Government Affairs Digests, Purpose Possible hosted a live webinar, The First 100 Days & Beyond, featuring:
and Purpose Possible’s founding partners Susannah Darrow and Laura Moody
This session provided key insights for organizations to remain resilient and mission-driven in this evolving policy landscape. The conversation offered guidance and actionable insights to help nonprofit leaders engage effectively with government officials, advocate for their communities, and plan for the road ahead.
Our notes and key takeaways are below:
Understanding the Landscape: Government Funding to Nonprofits
Data from The Urban Institute (2021):
Georgia:
2,130 nonprofits
$5.2 billion in government grants
Top-funded subsectors: Health, Human Services, International Affairs, Arts & Education
Maryland:
2,487 nonprofits
$6.1 billion in government grants
Top-funded subsectors: Arts & Culture, Human Services, Religion-Related & Public/Societal Benefit
Opportunities for Advocacy
Don’t limit outreach to elected officials who align politically with your own beliefs. In Georgia, for example, the majority of legislators are Republican—advocacy must be bipartisan to be effective.
Build ideologically diverse coalitions. A group of organizations with different approaches united in support or opposition to a bill sends a strong, nonpartisan message.
Visual solidarity matters: Group presence (and even matching shirts or a stack of letters of support on an issue) can amplify a message.
Engage staff, volunteers, and service recipients—showcase reach and impact through multiple voices. Show direct impact that goes beyond what an organization does.
Engaging with Government Officials
Build the relationship before asking for support
Research which legislators care about your issue and represent the people you serve.
Follow them on social media, sign up for their newsletters, and attend their public events or town halls—without asking for anything at first.
Invite them to your own events and give them the opportunity to connect with constituents.
Be Strategic in communications
Use the word “constituents:” Make it clear how an organization, or group of organizations support the people in their district.
Share personal stories of impact: Vulnerable, honest storytelling is powerful and persuasive across party lines.
Offer to be a resource: Stories and data can help shape political messaging.
Work Together
Strength in numbers: Coalitions can amplify a message, share resources, and represent a broader cross-section of constituents.
Organize lobby days to meet legislators en masse. This can be especially impactful when constituents participate and tell an impact story.
Strategic Planning & Capacity Building
Develop an annual advocacy plan: Identify priority issues, key officials, and policy goals at every level of government.
Assess funding sources and associated risks, especially during times of fiscal uncertainty.
Prioritize collaboration: Work with aligned nonprofits to share resources and strengthen your collective voice, especially when internal capacity is limited.
Build on shared values: Position advocacy efforts around mutual goals
Nonprofit Government Relations
If your organization is ready to take the next step in advocacy—but unsure where to start—Purpose Possible’s Nonprofit Government Relations service is here to help.
This strategic service is designed to support the fundraising and communications work of Georgia-based organizations by equipping mission-driven entities with the tools, confidence, and clarity needed to engage effectively with policymakers. We provide expert guidance tailored to your mission, capacity, and goals.
Contact us to learn more: purposepossible.com/contact
Government Affairs Digests
Our Government Affairs Digests will be published monthly for the foreseeable future. Our team remains committed to closely following government news and will share any significant updates and calls to action as quickly as possible.
Find these digests, previous webinars and many more resources at PurposePossible.com/blog.
