When federal funding shifts, the ripple effects are immediate. Individuals and families feel it in closed parks, scaled back after-school and Head-Start programs, and food banks and pantries stretched thin. These services often mark the line between stability and crisis for members of the community and the nonprofit organizations serving community needs across the Northern Virginia region.
At the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, we asked: How are nonprofits in Northern Virginia weathering this storm? What can we do – as funders, donors and partners – to help?
To find answers, we turned to data, trusted relationships with local nonprofit leaders, and national philanthropic research from organizations like the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP). The latest Insight Region® report, The State of Nonprofits in Northern Virginia, developed in partnership with the George Mason University - Schar School of Policy and Government, offers a clear-eyed view of the challenges nonprofits face – and the resilience they continue to show.
KEY FINDINGS FROM THE REPORT
- Nonprofits in Northern Virginia support 7,000 jobs and generate $1.6 billion in annual economic activity.
- Nationally, the sector employs 12.8 million people, nearly 10% of the private workforce.
- Nonprofits face a triple threat: Reduced government funding, Declining donations and Rising demand for services.
Between January and June, over 20,000 nonprofit jobs were lost nationwide. If government funding ceased were to stop entirely, 14,000 nonprofits could exhaust their reserves within three months, putting 2.8 million jobs at risk. Nonprofit leaders describe difficulty pursuing their missions effectively in an environment that presents multiple significant challenges to their ability to operate and report burnout among board and staff according to a 2025 CEP report.
One survey respondent told us:
“We can keep the lights on for another 8-9 months if we stop serving clients.”
The recent pause in SNAP benefits is affecting 42 million Americans, with especially vulnerable. Meanwhile, 670,000 federal employees have been furloughed, and 700,000 more are working without pay. Families are moving in with relatives, lining up at pop-up food pantries, and relying on nonprofits for meals and support.
Our Response
This moment calls for action. At the Community Foundation we are:
- Accelerating Nonprofit Funding: We’ve expedited our Community Investment Fund cycle to get resources to nonprofits faster. Applications are open through December 8. You can expand the impact of these grants by contributing to this year’s funding pool.
- Addressing Food Insecurity: Local food banks and pantries have reported urgently needed support. Explore our list of food banks and pantries and consider supporting them directly to help ensure families have access to nutritious meals. Donor Advised Fund holders can make grants directly from your fund at the Community Foundation.
- Give Locally: As you consider your end of year gift planning, please consider nonprofits serving Northern Virginia. In this increasingly complex giving environment, the CFNOVA team of philanthropy experts can help you identify nonprofit organizations providing essential services and working on the causes that match your goals.
We know the challenges are great – but so is our community’s capacity to respond. As Jana Stanfield said: “I cannot do all the good that the world needs, but the world needs all the good that I can do.”
Let’s do all the good we can and make more possible for Northern Virginia - together.
Thank you for helping build a more resilient Northern Virginia.
With Gratitude,
Renée Byng Yancey, President and CEO
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
Questions?
Questions?
