Across Connecticut and the nation, nonprofits have been faced with making impossible choices. Many organizations that feed families, house the homeless, mentor children, and care for the most vulnerable in our communities have had to scale back their programs after critical federal support was cut.

In October, the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance released a survey of 72 nonprofit organizations. Of that group, 33 percent reported federal funding loss or delay in federal funding, and 44 percent said they had to reduce or eliminate their programs as a result. These nonprofits are the front line of Connecticut’s social safety net. When one falls behind, the ripple effect is felt across schools, hospitals and neighborhoods. That strain is only growing as federal funding shrinks and demand for services continues to rise.

National data from earlier this year paint the same picture. Most nonprofits can’t cover their full operating costs without the support of government funding. Without their financial support, somewhere between 60 to 80 percent of nonprofits in each state would be operating in the red.

Nonprofits have long been critical partners in meeting community needs. But they can’t carry the burden alone when the foundation beneath them has shifted. Here in Connecticut, the sudden loss or freeze of federal funds has left organizations scrambling. Food banks, domestic violence shelters and community clinics have reported scaling back their services or delaying programs, leaving the people who rely on them the most without the support they need.

That impact hits home. Frontline staff and volunteers have no choice but to stretch limited resources to meet the growing community needs. I think about all the parents waiting for a hot meal for their children, seniors relying on a clinic and families seeking shelter. When nonprofits are forced to cut back, people feel the consequences immediately and deeply.

My career in philanthropy has been dedicated to making generosity more accessible, smarter and impactful. From co-founding a global education nonprofit to creating early online giving platforms and now launching Charity Bridge Fund, I’ve seen how connecting donors to real-time needs can make a significant difference. The goal is simple: make sure nonprofits that are struggling receive the support they need to ensure they can continue to serve their communities. 

Charity Bridge Fund is a new initiative designed to help donors stay informed on the impacts of the widespread loss of federal funding. For decades, the federal government helped safeguard many of our country’s basic needs, supporting food access, housing stability, education and community health. With recent reductions in federal funding, many of these essential needs are now at risk, reminding us that private giving must also help sustain the core services that keep our communities strong.

This initiative raises awareness of the urgent needs created by loss of funds, offering a list of affected projects by cause and geography, insight into the short-term impact of sudden decreased funds, and the long-term societal risk of losing critical social programs.

As we work to protect this vital network, it’s important to understand what these changes look like on the ground. We invite nonprofits to share their stories on the platform, detailing how these cuts have impacted their work. Doing so provides access to matching dollars and opportunities for broader visibility, helping elevate their voices and drive meaningful action.

The safety net only works when every part holds together. Our local nonprofits have carried us through recessions, pandemics and policy shifts. Today, many of them are at risk. If we want them to survive, we must act now. Every donation, step of support and connection made today helps protect the people in our community tomorrow.

Connecticut’s nonprofits are holding the line. It’s time for us to ensure they have the support they need. 

Kendall Webb is Founder and Executive Director of The Charity Bridge Fund.