Survey Results on Threats to our Funding and our Nonprofit Community Work

Part One

Some funders are backing away from Latino-focused nonprofits, wanting us to water down our work. They are NOT doing the right thing. None of this is new or should surprise you gente on the front lines. As you might imagine it's challenging news but there are bright spots. 

• 38.6% of organizations have been asked, implied to, or recommended by funders (including federal) to remove or tone down "Latino", or racial justice messaging (including language about diversity, immigrants, undocumented, and communities being served).
• 55.2% have seen funding reductions due to retreat from racial justice funding
• 27.3% have experienced increased threats or verbal hostility since the election

The survey comments pointed out severe federal restrictions with one organization reporting a "three-page document with all the words we can't say," including basic terms like women, Latino, migrant, immigrant, and diversity. Organizations are creating alternative websites, canceling federal webinars, and consulting attorneys about legal defensibility while many refuse to compromise their mission. "We will not remove the wording we use to describe our services to the immigrant community. We are who we are and will not change," stated one respondent, while another respondent has being asked twice if they will change their name, but despite funding losses they say "With our name, Empowering Latino Futures, we are saying EXACTLY WHERE WE WANT TO BE". Despite the loses, there were funding gains as well from supporters.

The community impact is severe, with some clients stopping services due to fear, families being threatened and forced to leave the US, and organizations needing ICE raid protocols for events. One respondent even indicated that some non-Latino clients are questioning their Latino staff credentials and "about their accent, if they are allowed to work here, are they qualified to provide the services, and telling our staff they should leave." Even academic institutions like Stanford University are now charging fees for the first time after expressing concerns about Latino-focused programming, according to one respondent.

Despite all of this, not everything is bad news.

Part Two

With part two of our survey, you will also see that like 30% of organizations have received NEW or increased funding despite the political climate. Armando Zumaya, founder and Executive Director of Somos El Poder, comments "it's my opinion that the open racism Latinos are experiencing is an OPPORTUNITY for raising money from new populations in the US. Lean into it. Raise the subject. Rally new people to our causes!"

• 29.8% of organizations received increased or new funding from current or new funders as a response to the changing racial justice climate
• 36.8% of organizations because of political situation implemented a new fundraising strategy/method that is successful now
• 56.1% of organization modified its language messaging, or materials (even slightly) in response to funder requirements or concerns from others
• 17.5% of organizations are at risk with immediate funding needs, may need to cut programs/staff (3-6 months of operations with current funding) and from this percentage 3.5% are in crisis - Already reducing staff/services due to funding shortfalls.

While some organizations report success with new "Rapid Response or Emergency funding opportunities" and supportive funders asking "how they can help in light of losses," the financial crisis is growing deeper across the sector. Organizations are already reducing administrative staff, postponing hiring, and anticipating program staff layoffs in 2026. As one respondent puts it will impact "hundreds of vulnerable rural youth". Academic researchers in disparities work are being defunded unless they "scrub 197 words from their proposals - which basically erases Latinos and their concerns."

The climate of fear is directly impacting service delivery, with one organization noting "enrollment is down which is directly due to the climate of fear in this community," while others report significant declines in students served and are proactively seeking funding for site ownership due to "increased risk of displacement." Safety concerns have prompted organizations to remove staff and board information from websites and modify communications to avoid drawing attention, while federal funding uncertainty and shifts poses major concerns for Latino-focused nonprofits.


Don't feel discouraged when you see this data. This information is key to know what's going on so we can adjust and act accordingly. Knowledge is power in this situation. Keep relying on your own community resources and Somos El Poder is here to help guide you in this time. Use this information to strengthen your resolve! 
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Armando Zumaya
Founder & Executive Director
Somos El Poder