Nonprofit Leadership

Leading with Purpose. Innovating with Equity.
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** Preemptive Defense
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August 19, 2025

Greetings, readers!

This week, we look at news and analysis from the frontlines. While some nonprofits and philanthropic organizations are retreating in the midst of the ongoing political attacks, others are mobilizing to become a more united front.

This issue has:
* A Resource ([link removed]) —New legal defense initiatives are filling critical protection gaps for nonprofits facing political targeting. The infrastructure being built to support nonprofits seeking legal protection.

* A Report ([link removed]) —Nonprofit foundations are self-censoring and removing DEI content in response to political pressure. A recent study exposes the chilling effect political attacks have had on the sector.

* A Warning ([link removed]) —Can philanthropic resources undermine social justice? Sometimes they can. If we want nonprofits and movements to be well resourced, it is important to consider how to avoid these all-too-common philanthropic traps.

* A Political Analysis ([link removed]) —Class politics has long been written off in the United States. But a new type of social justice class politics is rising—and nonprofits are playing a leading role in using politics to help resource communities.

As always, the Leadership desk loves to hear from you. Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Isaiah Thompson

Leadership Editor

[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])


** Must-Read Articles
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Legal Defense Funds Protect Nonprofits Under Political Attack by Trump Administration

by Lauren Girardin

New legal defense funds and nonprofit law firms are stepping in to provide critical support to nonprofits under attack, even as traditional law firms retreat.
Read Article ([link removed])

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Study Finds Widespread Self-Censorship in the Philanthropic Sector

by Ted Siefer

A new study reveals that major US foundations have remained silent or scrubbed DEI content from their websites in response to the Trump administration’s crackdown on “woke” initiatives.
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The Philanthropic Trap: How Charity Can Legitimize Systemic Problems

by James Lomastro

In a few decades, foundation assets have increased more than tenfold, yet social problems mount too. What is happening? We need to escape the philanthropic trap.
Read Article ([link removed])

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Class Not Dismissed: Mamdani, Nonprofits, and the Fight for Economic Justice

by Alissa Quart

If there is any bright spot in the Trump administration’s dog days, it’s that nonprofits are reigniting their struggle for economic justice.
Read Article ([link removed])

Nonprofit Leadership offers timely civic news, equity-centered insights, and innovative frameworks for leaders building a just and thriving civil society, delivering field wisdom, leadership strategies, and practical tools to help you lead with intention and create sustainable impact in your organization and community.


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