Nonprofits Are Bracing But Unprepared For 2024 Election, Report Finds

As we learned in the immediate aftermath of the 2016 presidential election, the political landscape can change virtually overnight. This can leave unprepared organizations and their leaders scrambling to navigate the immediate and long-term ramifications of sudden political changes. New research suggests that nonprofit organizations – champions of rights and providers of essential social services – particularly struggle to navigate such turbulent times.

Today, the 2024 presidential election looms large, with potential implications that could reshape the operational and strategic foundations of many nonprofits. Ill-prepared nonprofit organizations face significant risks to their financial sustainability, particularly for those focused on protecting rights.

Regrettably, nonprofits focused on policy advocacy are already not as empowered as they should be. In the US, a possible misinterpretation of nonprofit law paradoxically leads foundations— including those that see “themselves as change agents” preferring systemic change over mere service delivery—to shy away from investing in nonprofits’ capacity to advocate for policy change. Through an inability to access funds, charities and nonprofits thus risk being muzzled at a time when their voices are needed more than ever in the public domain.

Such restrictions inevitably hamper nonprofits’ ability to effectively communicate and function within a political climate that may not be welcoming or may even be antagonistic. Already too many citizen advocates and grassroots movements often find themselves up against highly paid corporate and partisan lobbyists representing influential brands with seemingly limitless budgets in the battle for policymakers’ time and attention. These lobbyists can pour substantial resources into shaping policy agendas. They can invest in think tanks, research institutes, marketing, and $10,000-a-head tickets to attend dinners with influential politicians. Meanwhile, narrow minded models of philanthropic giving struggle to view supporting policy entrepreneurship as a legitimate use of their funding.

In addition to these existing constraints, and as a result of even further increased polarization and burnout, nonprofits might be forced to move from forward-thinking and innovative advocacy to a more defensive, risk-averse posture. Such a scenario could challenge nonprofits in their quest to champion causes, secure new funding sources, and ensure financial health, thereby risking a diversion of efforts from their fundamental objectives to advocate for the greater good.

KM Strategies Group (KMSG), an advisory firm that works with clients across the corporate, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors to drive strategies for social impact, has just released a report summarizing its survey to gauge the nonprofit sector’s readiness for the 2024 presidential election through it’s 2024 KMSG Nonprofit Election Preparedness Report.**

The survey, engaging a diverse array of nonprofit leaders from leading organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), The World Economic Forum, The Urban Institute, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Run for Something, and Girl Rising, has unearthed some concerning insights.

On the one hand, a staggering 82% of those nonprofit leaders surveyed highlighted the necessity for adjustments in communication strategies, indicating a sector acutely aware of the challenges in engaging their audience amidst political shifts. This is particularly pressing considering the possible divisive nature of the election’s outcome, which could threaten fundraising efforts for rights-based advocacy and complicate donor relations in a tough fiscal environment.

Despite this heightened awareness however, a reported 70% of nonprofit leaders expressed low to moderate confidence in their current digital and social media strategies. In an era where digital presence is paramount including for fundraising, this lack of confidence underscores a critical gap that must be addressed to ensure effective donor engagement and advocacy. Moreover, the survey revealed a significant concern over staff burnout and retention, with 41% of organizations foreseeing issues in this area under a future Trump administration which may polarize the media cycle even further. This highlights the need for a focus on organizational culture and balance, ensuring that nonprofit workforces feel supported while remaining engaged and motivated.

Funding stability emerges as another critical concern, with more than a third of respondents indicating moderate to high apprehension about donor engagement and potential shifts in funding sources. In anticipation of these challenges, the report recommends a proactive approach to fundraising and development, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships with likely partners and supporters well in advance of any political upheaval.

“In the aftermath of the 2016 election, it became evident that the nonprofit sector needed to bolster its preparedness for future political changes,” said Kindred Motes, founder and managing director of KMSG and lead author of the report. “Our survey of nonprofit executives not only sheds light on where the sector stands today but also provides actionable recommendations for organizations to prepare for any outcome, especially in light of the challenges that could arise from a Trump presidency.”

Despite these challenges, the survey also reveals a resilient and adaptable sector. A remarkable 70% of organizations acknowledge vulnerabilities in their advocacy and fundraising strategies but see the urgent need for recalibration as an opportunity for strategic growth. This mindset underscores a commitment to not just weather the storm but to emerge stronger and more impactful.

For its part, the report also provided recommendations based on its findings that urge organizations to:

• Understand their development/fundraising landscape so they know likely partners and supporters before they need them;
• Make sure they are spotlighting who their organization exists to serve on a personal level. Don’t let the message get lost in an over-reliance on data or extensive details;
• Begin election scenario planning ASAP to enable their organizations to develop advocacy strategies that are adaptable and capable of responding promptly to potential policy regressions;
• Address potential retention and burnout issues ahead of time by focusing on culture and balance. Ensure that staff is a key constituency to engage, consult with, and listen to;
• Get their messaging, style/voice, and communications templates ready ahead of time.

In addition to these recommendations, the nonprofit sector as a whole needs to do a better job for standing up for itself and defining their right to advocacy. By collectively pushing back, they can challenge the prevailing norms, regulations, and laws that prevent philanthropy from providing more significant support for policy change initiatives.

To be fair, many nonprofit organizations are already diligently enhancing their approaches and operations to effectively respond to and benefit from any political shifts. This movement towards early readiness and flexibility in strategy marks a significant progression, demonstrating a dedication to not just endure but also create substantial influence irrespective of the political landscape. However, the report’s findings suggest that additional efforts are required. With the election drawing near, it is crucial for nonprofits to keep focusing on being prepared and adaptable. This approach will help ensure that these organizations stay robust, impactful, and equipped to meet forthcoming challenges and seize potential opportunities.

The report’s findings serves as both a wake-up call and a blueprint for action. It urges nonprofits to understand their fundraising landscape, personalize their messaging, begin election scenario planning, and ensure their communication strategies are adaptable and prepared. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of building coalitions, suggesting that a unified voice can significantly enhance advocacy efforts. As policy entrepreneurs, we share a collective responsibility to champion increased investment in systemic change. The active involvement of nonprofit organizations and citizen advocates is indispensable for achieving inclusive policymaking and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

As nonprofits gear up for the 2024 election, the lessons ought to be clear: preparation, adaptability, and strategic innovation are key to navigating potential political shifts. With these strategies in place, the sector can not only anticipate challenges but can leverage them as opportunities for growth and enhanced impact. The road ahead may be fraught with uncertainty, but with the right preparations, the nonprofit sector can continue to thrive, advocate, and serve communities, no matter the political climate.

**Disclaimer: I am on the advisory board of KMSG.