Nonprofits are the backbone of many essential services in our communities – from tackling food insecurity to providing housing and healthcare.
However, the nonprofit sector is facing serious challenges, and sustainability-focused organizations are no exception.
I recently spoke with some local nonprofit partners to better understand what they’re experiencing and how our community can help. The message was clear: the situation is tough.
“This seems like a constant problem in the nonprofit world, but now more than ever, it feels like funding is drying up from the federal level down to the local level,” said Claire Roth, program manager with Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation (BEST).
“I have seen many nonprofits in the area have to downsize or cut programming due to this,” he said.
Kendsie Channing, executive director of Shift Community Cycles, shared a similar concern.
“Funding has become a significant challenge,” Channing said. “We are growing rapidly, but foundations seem to want nonprofits to demonstrate a ton of experience and data or have a completely new idea to get funded. It makes it hard when we know what we do and do it well but are just starting out and growing.”
These local experiences reflect a broader statewide trend. In late 2025, the Nonprofit Association of Oregon and the Coalition of Communities of Color collaborated on a survey to assess how government funding cuts and policy changes are affecting Oregon’s nonprofit sector.
Per the report, “It examined organizational demographics, funding sources, the scope and consequences of funding reductions, and organizational response strategies through multiple choice, ranking, and open-ended questions. The findings paint a stark picture. Eighty-four percent of Oregon nonprofits have either experienced or anticipate government funding cuts. These cuts are forcing many of them into survival mode with reduced services, staff layoffs, and depleted reserves, all while demand for services increases, and equity-focused work faces direct suppression.”
So, what can we do?
First, financial contributions matter. If you’re able, donate to the organizations you care about. But money isn’t the only need—people power is critical. Volunteerism rates plummeted during the pandemic – while they’ve somewhat improved, they remain historically low. Nonprofits rely on volunteers to keep programs running, and right now, that help is in short supply.
For example, Shift Community Cycles is looking for volunteers with marketing and communications skills, including graphic design. BEST is seeking board members to help guide its mission. Your favorite nonprofit likely has similar needs.
Despite these challenges, there’s optimism.
“We’re so lucky to live in a community that supports our work,” Channing said.
That spirit of support is what will help these organizations weather the storm.
If you care about sustainability and the health of our community, now is the time to step up—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can ensure these nonprofits continue doing the vital work that benefits us all.
Daniel Hiestand is the Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator for Lane County. Reach him at [email protected].
