New Words, Unknown Impact: Navigating Government, Grant Funders, and Donor Advocates for Nonprofit Organizations

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‍In a time of shifting policy, rising polarization, and uncertainty in federal, state, and private giving, nonprofits face greater risks and higher stakes. This webinar equips nonprofit leaders, development teams, and grant writers with insights on the current fundraising landscape, organizational governance best practices, and narrative strategies to succeed as of October 2025— balancing visibility and values amid an unpredictable funding climate.

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This conversation explores the current landscape of nonprofit funding, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by government grants, donor advocacy, and legal considerations. The panel discusses the importance of brand resilience through the three Rs: reaffirm, reframe, and relate. They also address the impact of recent executive orders on funding for minority populations and the necessity for nonprofits to adapt their strategies in response to these changes. The discussion emphasizes collaboration, community engagement, and the need for nonprofits to diversify their funding sources while maintaining their core values.

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Key takeaways

• The language we use is crucial in nonprofit work.
• Reaffirming values through community engagement is essential.
• Federal funding is increasingly uncertain for many organizations.
• Legal considerations are vital when navigating funding opportunities.
• Collaboration among nonprofits can enhance resource sharing.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts face significant challenges.
• Building relationships with funders is key to securing support.
• Nonprofits must adapt their messaging to align with current funding climates.
• There are many resources available for nonprofits seeking legal advice.
• Creative solutions and partnerships can help sustain nonprofit missions.

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Learn more about the panelists: 

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• Meredith Burke Hammons (she/her), Principal of Burke Hammons Consulting: Meredith Burke Hammons is one of only 27 grant professionals in the state of Georgia with a Grant Professional Certified (GPC) credential, the only nationally recognized certification for grant professionals. Since 2017, Meredith has written proposals for 71 organizations, resulting in $17.4 million in grant awards.
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• Shane Lukas (he/him), Advocate Expert and Owner of A Great Idea: With three decades’ award-winning experience in graphic design, art direction, user experience and strategy, Shane Lukas is the Advocate Expert and creative solutions specialist leading A Great Idea, an agile empathy-led, content-led agency powering brands for companies and organizations across the country.
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• Emily Sexton (she/her), Principal of Sexton Law PLLC: Emily Sexton is a lawyer, nonprofit executive, writer, and performer. Sexton spent more than 15 years in senior level in-house positions with arts and cultural nonprofits before starting Sexton Law PLLC to represent clients across the creative economy, including nonprofit organizations and the for profit entities and individuals who support their missions.

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This webinar was recorded October 16, 2025. Things may have changed since the recording. Please stay tuned for future webinar series scheduled for January, 2026. Sign up for updates from A Great Idea to reserve your space for the live discussion.

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