2025 Nonprofit Survey Reveals Sector Strain—and Inspiring Resilience

At the end of September 2025, seven regional funders* collaborated to launch a comprehensive survey of nonprofit organizations across Northeast Wisconsin. 210 nonprofit leaders cumulatively serving the entire Northeast region responded, offering a candid and compelling snapshot of a sector under pressure, but also one demonstrating remarkable innovation and resolve.

Nonprofits are mission-driven organizations that must generate resources to achieve their goals and to make an impact on the communities they serve. They are often started by small groups of caring people who want to make their community better or solve a problem. In our service regions of Calumet, Outagamie, Shawano, and Waupaca counties and the Neenah-Menasha area of Winnebago county, there are 1,600 registered nonprofits such as your local food pantry, homeless shelter, nature center, and art museum.

Nonprofits help communities collaborate to identify root causes of challenges and design solutions that are grounded in local values and lived experiences. Often, they nimbly fill in the gaps where government and for-profit agencies cannot, and in times of crisis, they mobilize people and resources to meet needs. They also play a critical role in our state’s economy, employing 12% of the state’s workforce and generating more than $67 billion in annual revenue.

“Nonprofits have been working hard throughout 2025. Half of the survey respondents reported serving more people than ever. Changes in federal policy and funding reductions impact their ability to serve our local community, and many are concerned their resources may not stretch far enough to serve everyone who is asking for their help. This is made more difficult by the general erosion of public trust in nonprofits,” said Curt Detjen, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Region. “This survey recognizes that we see and value them and want to hear directly from them about what we as funders can do and what we need to know so we can help them fulfill their missions.”

Funding Losses and Financial Uncertainty

The survey revealed widespread reductions across nearly every major funding stream. Almost half of respondents reported a drop in individual donations, while many also cited declines in local foundation support, corporate sponsorships, and government funding. These financial shifts have forced tough decisions: staff layoffs, program reductions, and increased reliance on reserves or program fees.

One respondent shared, “The impact has been devastating, reducing our staff from 9 to 4.” Another noted, “We see our financial reserves being used…These reductions have placed a financial strain on the organization.”

Beyond the numbers, nonprofits expressed concern about how shifting donor priorities and increased competition are reshaping the funding landscape. Some worry that their missions, especially those not directly tied to basic needs, may be perceived as less essential, leading to reduced support in the years ahead.

Operational Strain and Workforce Challenges

Around two-thirds of the nonprofits surveyed transparently shared that not only are they navigating financial instability; but they are also facing rising operational pressures. Increased community demand for services, difficulty meeting core costs, and challenges with staff recruitment and retention are common themes. Many organizations reported lower morale and volunteer shortages, with some forced to reduce staff time or move paid roles back to volunteer status.

One leader described the toll, “We are currently an all-volunteer council…It is not good for one’s health, and one’s family, to be volunteering full-time. We need a salaried position.”

Resilience and Adaptation

Despite these challenges, nonprofits are responding with creativity and courage. Many are diversifying funding sources, reimagining strategic priorities, and expanding or shifting programs to meet emerging needs. Collaboration is increasing, and advocacy efforts are gaining momentum.

Organizations are also adjusting staffing models, reducing program support, and in some cases transitioning clients to other nonprofits better positioned to serve them. These shifts reflect a sector that is actively evolving and rising to meet the challenges they face.

What Nonprofits Need Most

When asked what support would be most helpful, nonprofits emphasized the need for stable, flexible, and multi-year funding. Technical assistance, leadership development, and board support were also high priorities.

“Nonprofits play a crucial role in our communities and economy by addressing critical social needs and serving as a significant driver of economic growth,” said Lindsay Fenlon, Vice President of Community Engagement of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. “Transformational partnership with our nonprofits means providing assistance beyond the grant so that we can be by their side as they strengthen their organization, enhance their capacity, and position their missions for long-term success.”

In addition to capacity-support, many called for advocacy and amplification of nonprofit voices, especially policy conversations and public platforms. One respondent captured the sentiment well, “Please continue to learn and listen to nonprofit needs. There is a shift in the sector with many new leaders and board members who need support and professional training to serve their mission.”

Click here to view the 2025 Northeast Wisconsin Nonprofit Survey Results! 

Looking Ahead

This survey and sharing of the results are just the beginning. “We’re working with our regional funding partners to plan for additional listening sessions in early 2026,” Lindsay shared. “We want to continue the conversation and co-create solutions that are meaningful and responsive.” As a community foundation, we remain committed to walking alongside nonprofits, not just as funders, but as partners in building a more resilient and flourishing region for all.

“Our Fox Valley Region is fortunate to have skilled, dedicated, hardworking local nonprofit organizations. They inspire us daily and they need our generosity and support,” said Curt. “You can trust us to keep you informed of the challenges and successes we are hearing from our nonprofit partners and what we can do together, because together, we flourish.”

If you would like to help, give now and more generously if you can to your favorite nonprofit organization. You can also rely upon us when you make a gift to our Community Vision Fund (unrestricted support to help where most needed), Nonprofit Leadership Initiative (to support the additional needs nonprofits are facing), or Community Response Fund (to provide short-term, immediate relief to current community emergencies).

*The seven regional funders were the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, United Way Fox Cities, United Way Brown County, Shawano Area United Way, Basic Needs Giving Partnership, and the Nonprofit Leadership Initiative