From February 18, 2025 to 27, 2025 Philanthropy MA surveyed funders across Massachusetts representing a mix of foundation types and funding priorities to understand how funders are responding to federal actions that impact the social sector. We received 92 replies from foundation staff and are sharing the data highlights back with funders and NPOs to provide a snapshot that is relevant and time sensitive as we all work to support our communities.
The survey responses reveal:
Regarding federal orders changing approaches to DEI, 97% of funders are keeping questions pertaining to DEI practices in their grant applications, 58% of funders are operating as they were before the executive orders, 38% of funders are monitoring the situation, but haven’t yet made changes, and 6% have “doubled down” on DEI efforts.
Regarding potential changes to federal grants and contracts, 60% of funders are monitoring changes to federal funding to the nonprofit community but haven’t yet made changes, 27% of funders have currently made changes (mobilizing additional grant resources, providing new nonmonetary support to grantees, and/or changing application requirement to increase ease of access to funds), and 9% don’t anticipate that changes to federal funding will impact their grantmaking.
33% of respondents reported that their foundation is communicating differently with grantees in response to the federal policy changes. These changes include statements reaffirming support, more frequent communications, and outreach through individual conversations, surveys, and convening to understand grantee experiences.
Respondents taking action provided these examples:
- "We are actively seeking philanthropic partners to support our work in funding projects that serve BIPOC populations"
- "Planning to create an 'emergency fund’, making unrestricted grants instead of program/project grants."
- "We are providing nonmonetary supports and also looking at contributing to pooled funds to support nonprofits in legal and security needs."
- "We polled our grantees and made early grant disbursements to those experiencing hardship related to the federal changes."
- "Considering increasing our indirect cost allowance."
Philanthropy Massachusetts is committed to providing up to date information that helps support decision making and debunk rumors. Over the coming months we will circulate additional Taking the Pulse brief surveys to Funders and Nonprofits to address time sensitive questions of importance to funders and nonprofits. We encourage you to respond to surveys and let us know if you have any questions or suggestions for future communications.
Philanthropy MA is a membership association of both philanthropic and nonprofit organizations. We promote the practice and expansion of effective and responsible philanthropy to improve the health and vitality of the region. As a bridge between the two communities, PhilMA provides information, programming, and opportunities for better understanding, efficiency, and impact.