February Reflections: Responding to the Moment

In a time when the nonprofit sector and equity-driven work face increasing scrutiny—through federal attacks on DEIA, frozen federal funds that remain out of reach for organizations doing vital community work, and memos falsely accusing NGOs of being harmful to American interests—we reaffirm the essential and transformative role our sector plays. Our sector is not a threat; it is a force for building a more just, vibrant, and equitable world.

Recently, Maine's Attorney General signed onto a statement affirming the effectiveness and legality of DEI work; an important reminder that despite increased attacks and false narratives, this work remains necessary and important. At MPC, we reaffirm our commitment to equity. This work has always been about uplifting people, communities, and the shared values of dignity and opportunity to move us toward justice. And in moments like these, when the path forward feels uncertain, we look to those who came before us—leaders who embody the courage, hope, and generosity that shape lasting change.

As we enter the last weeks of Black History Month, we lift up the story of Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made female millionaire. Born into poverty and widowed young, she built a haircare empire—not just for personal success but as a means to uplift her community. Through her business and philanthropy, she invested in education, advocated for equal rights, created economic opportunities for others, and invested in systemic change to fight injustice. Walker’s story is a reminder that leadership in times of hostility is about building together, giving boldly, and standing firm in the face of challenge.

Now is the time to lead with that same courage: to invest in community, stay rooted in your values, and give even when the work is being challenged. Because our work—at its best—is about solidarity, justice, and the future we want to build together.

Here are some resources that can help you build resiliency in this moment:

• ABFE's READI Initiative: READI aims to promote, expand, and defend race-explicit grantmaking and programming, ensuring that equity remains central to philanthropic efforts across diverse communities.
• Maine Association of Nonprofit's Resource Library: MANP has many resources to understand and operationalize DEI work and build strong organizational systems to weather uncertainty.
• Lawyers' Committee's Protect and Advance Racial Equity, Affirmative Action, and DEI (PADEI): The PADEI project provides free legal counsel and, when necessary, representation to eligible private, nonprofit, and government entities with questions about their racial equity initiatives.
• Minnesota Council of Nonprofit's Resources to Navigate Uncertainty: MCN provides suggestions and resources for strengthening internal controls and organizational systems.

And as always, please reach out to us if you are in need of support or have questions on how to navigate the current moment.

In community,
Jeannette, Robert, Emilie, Sarah, and Tyler