Lead story

The great nonprofit downsizing

Editor's note:

Nonprofits across the country are facing a bleak calculus. Many have experienced a triple economic threat – inflation driving up expenses, pandemic relief funds drying up and donations falling. This has driven a wave of program cuts, layoffs and even closures, and it’s unclear what comes next, reports Sara Herschander in the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s Trends 2025 issue.

Meanwhile, donor-advised funds are expanding beyond the super wealthy. And corporations and universities are backtracking on DEI initiatives, prompting the question: Will foundations follow?

At the same time, remote work is here to stay for many nonprofits, in part because flexible work arrangements offer a leg up in recruiting and retaining staff.

To learn more about these and other nonprofit trends, you can read the Chronicle of Philanthropy's January issue.

News and trends 

How to help those affected by the California wildfires

Where to donate to help children, displaced households and animals.
By Gabriela Aoun Angueira/The Associated Press

Los Angeles tree advocates hope their vital work recovers from devastating fires

Environmental nonprofit TreePeople plan long-term replanting in areas hit by wildfires.
By Tammy Webber and Dorany Pineda/The Associated Press

Commentary and analysis

How Trump could target nonprofits – and how to protect yours

Expect donors and organizations to be attacked by name, harassed and threatened online and investigated on questionable grounds. 
By Mike Berkowitz, Democracy Funders Network, for the Chronicle of Philanthropy

Many ‘impact investors’ aren’t fully tracking whether their investments are good for society or the environment − new research

Some investors are more open than others to considering the risk that their money might not have the impact they’re seeking.
By Lauren Kaufmann, University of Virginia; Helet Botha, University of Michigan-Dearborn, for The Conversation U.S.

Other nonprofit news of note

• Watch Duty, a wildfire-tracking app, provides a lifeline in Los Angeles (New York Times)
• On a mission from God: Inside the movement to redirect billions of taxpayer dollars to private religious schools (ProPublica)
• St. Cloud refugee nonprofit under scrutiny for not following charity laws (Minnesota Star Tribune)
• People donating to California wildfire victims face a dilemma: Leave a tip too? (USA Today)

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