Nonprofit resilience: reflecting on a year of challenge and determination

Finding hope and inspiration as we close out 2025.
December 30, 2025
Clair Lofthouse
Content Manager

It’s been a tough five years for nonprofits. Organizations have navigated prolonged uncertainty stemming from overlapping crises: a global pandemic, social unrest, funding cuts, and economic instability. 

And now, in 2025, even the good intentions that drive nonprofit work are being questioned in new and unexpected ways.

The challenges of 2025

Nonprofits navigated significant political and funding uncertainty in 2025, from federal disruptions that reduced support for key agencies to heightened scrutiny around tax-exempt status. Nonprofits faced real challenges this year: reduced federal support, rising community needs, and an unpredictable economic landscape.

Yet across the country, organizations stepped forward with courage, creativity and unwavering commitment to the people they serve. Throughout, nonprofits continued to demonstrate resilience, adaptability and determination in meeting rising needs. Their leadership is what carried communities through.

Finding hope in the mission

Even in a challenging landscape, there is so much hope in the mission-driven work happening every day. At Give Lively, we are privileged to support organizations that demonstrate extraordinary resilience and creativity in the service of their communities.

Our team is united by a belief that nonprofits deserve powerful, accessible technology without added financial burden. Every improvement we build, every support interaction and every resource we create is shaped by that commitment.

We are motivated by knowing that our tools help more than 9,000 nonprofits raise funds, tell their stories and strengthen their impact. Your work gives us hope, and we are honored to play a role in helping you do it.

Celebrating the people behind the mission 

Across the country, nonprofit leaders continue to demonstrate resilience, adaptability and determination as they serve their communities.

People like Barb Jordan, founder of Always Bev, a nonprofit that educates and empowers individuals with skills for personal safety to prevent and defend against sexual assault, predatory behavior and violence. 

Frank Ruggieri, who founded the Sohia Ruggieri Memorial Foundation to help children learn vital skills for managing their type 1 diabetes after the tragic loss of his daughter. 

Erica Bernstein, past president and current (at the time of writing) treasurer of Wellness Warriors, Massachusetts’ first dragon boat paddling team composed entirely of cancer survivors.

Aydian Dowling, who cofounded Point of Pride to help transgender youth and adults access necessary, life-saving healthcare and wellness services.

…and so many others.

Thousands of people, each bringing their own experience, perspective and determination to the work of strengthening their communities.

A message of thanks

As we look toward the new year, we want to acknowledge the resilience and dedication it takes to lead mission-driven work in uncertain times. Your commitment to your community is felt far beyond your programs and services, and it inspires our team to continually improve the tools you rely on. 

We know this work is demanding, and we hope you find moments to rest, reconnect and restore your energy for the year ahead. While every organization faces its own challenges, the collective strength of this community is what drives meaningful progress. 

Thank you for everything you made possible in 2025. We are honored to support you as you continue creating impact in 2026 and beyond.

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