In Essex County, nonprofits navigating the fallout – or looming prospect – of losing government funding are laying off staff, crafting multiple contingency plans and thinking creatively about how existing partnerships and new funding sources might help them weather these uncertain times.
“We’ve been hearing from so many local nonprofit leaders who have already lost funding or are anticipating losing funding,” said Amy Moran Lowe, director of grants and programs at Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF). “They’re arriving at the office thinking, ‘Will today be the day?’”
It’s a situation that is obstructing critical programs, compromising capacity and causing burnout among nonprofit staffers.
“These are people on the front lines doing the heroic but often unseen work of feeding hungry residents, protecting the vulnerable and ensuring families and children have what they need to get through the day,” Lowe said. “There is a very human impact to all of this, on multiple levels.”
To continue to support the work of our local nonprofit sector in the ways they need right now, ECCF is launching a new grant program to provide local organizations with fast, flexible funding to meet the basic, but critical needs of residents.
ECCF inspires philanthropy that strengthens the communities of Essex County by managing charitable assets, strengthening and supporting nonprofits and engaging in strategic community leadership initiatives. Since 1999, ECCF and its family of 344 charitable funds have granted $169 million to nonprofits, schools and students in Essex County and beyond. Its ultimate goal is to have 34 thriving cities and towns in Essex County and to improve the quality of life for the region’s 800,000+ residents.
Starting June 25, nonprofits focused on essential needs and related services can apply for funding from ECCF’s new Essex County Community Response Fund (ECCRF), seeded by the foundation to support nonprofit organizations now and in the future. The foundation is focusing first on organizations that expand access to food, clothing and shelter because these needs are the groundwork for thriving communities. Applicants can apply for up to $30,000 through a streamlined grantmaking process, which will be open through July 31. Grant announcements for this round of funding will be made in August.
“The funding is flexible because we absolutely trust that the organizations on the ground know best how and where to spend the money, particularly during times of crisis,” said ECCF President & CEO Stratton Lloyd.
“These organizations are a lifeline for so many people,” Lloyd added. “And we know that philanthropy cannot possibly fill the gap left by federal funding cuts, but we’re committed to doing everything we can to help nonprofits meet their missions and support our communities.”
ECCF has supported the local nonprofit sector during challenging times before, first during the Lawrence gas disaster and, more recently, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, ECCF’s commitment to helping the social sector meet the moment – whatever that moment may be – has never been stronger.
“It was time for the community foundation to initiate a permanent mechanism for responding to emerging needs quickly, equitably and with flexibility,” said Stacey Landry, ECCF’s senior vice president for advancement and philanthropic services. “Our goal is that the Community Response Fund is seen as more than just a means for funding, but that it also comes to symbolize a sense of strength and hope.”
But ECCF cannot do this alone.
According to a new report released by the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP), 62% of nonprofits report the loss of federal funding as one of the top two things impacting their work in 2025.
“And we absolutely hear and feel that concern right here in Essex County,” said Landry. “Now we’re calling on everyone in our region to come together, as they have done in the past, to help our nonprofits endure challenging times so that they can continue to do the incredible work they do to care for our communities.”
By giving to the ECCRF, donors can help expand the support ECCF is able to provide to nonprofits going above and beyond once again to help the people most impacted during this time.
“The time is now to act locally,” said Lloyd. “Essex County is stronger when we all thrive.”
To donate to ECCF’s Community Response Fund, please visit www.eccf.org. Nonprofits can find grant guidelines (applications open June 25) by visiting www.eccf.org/community-response-fund/.
