Federal Pulse Poll: How Federal Policy is Impacting SC Nonprofits
Survey conducted May 7–21, 2025 | 319 nonprofit responses | All SC counties represented
Survey conducted May 7–21, 2025 | 319 nonprofit responses | All SC counties represented
At a Glance
Together SC, in partnership with the SC Grantmakers Network, surveyed nonprofits across the state to understand how federal policies and funding shifts are impacting their work.
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319 participating organizations
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Every county in SC represented
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Nearly all major funders included
Key Takeaways
1. Funding Impact: Deep, Not Broad
While most nonprofits don’t hold active federal grants, those who do — and experience funding disruptions — are deeply affected.
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63% of respondents have no active federal grants
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Of those with active grants:
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70% said their funding has not been paused or canceled
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30% reported lost or frozen funding ranging from $7,500 to over $1 million
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Those affected rely more heavily on public funding (52% of total income)
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2. Operational Shifts Are Widespread
Even nonprofits not receiving federal dollars are adapting their services and staffing due to federal policy changes.
Top reported changes:
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❌ Paused or canceled programs – 30% of orgs
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💸 Loss of funding – 29%
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✍️ Adjusted program language – 23%
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📉 Reduced services – 23%
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👥 Served fewer individuals – 23%
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🧑💼 Positions terminated – 14%
3. Planning Ahead with Caution
The sector is bracing for more challenges:
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49% of nonprofits are planning for or expecting negative impacts in the next 6 months
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33% anticipate neutral outcomes
4. Support Needs Go Beyond Funding
Nonprofits are looking for help beyond dollars—they want training and support to strengthen their operations.
Top areas where nonprofits want support:
| Support Area | % of Respondents |
|---|---|
| Grant Management | 38% |
| Scenario Planning | 34% |
| Financial Management | 30% |
| Public Policy Training | 30% |
| Program Evaluation | 25% |
| Internship Programs | 21% |
| Board Governance | 18% |
Why This Matters
Federal decisions are shaping the future of South Carolina’s nonprofit sector in complex and far-reaching ways.
Together SC is committed to amplifying your voices, sharing your stories, and ensuring our sector is equipped to thrive—no matter what comes next.
Want to Get Involved?
Contact:
GP McLeer
Director of Public Policy & Community Engagement
📧 gp@togethersc.org
