Federal Funding Pulse Poll Data
Survey Timeframe: May 7, 2025 - May 21, 2025
Purpose: To better understand the impacts of federal public policy changes on South Carolina’s nonprofit sector and monitor for any trends at least through the end of CY 2025.
Survey Timeframe: May 7, 2025 - May 21, 2025
Key Takeaways:
1. All SC Counties and 501(c)(3) Missions Are Represented
The survey reflects input from organizations in all 46 South Carolina counties and covers every 501(c)(3) mission category, ensuring broad sector representation across geography and cause.
2. The Impacts of Federal Funding Are Deep, Not Necessarily Broad
While not every nonprofit receives direct federal funding, those that do reported significant disruptions. The data shows that the effects may be concentrated but severe, with ripple effects even reaching organizations that don’t receive federal dollars directly.
3. $38.9 Million in Federal Funding Has Been Frozen or Canceled
The total amount of frozen or canceled federal funding reported in this survey was $38,971,576. This staggering number underscores how vital federal resources are to sustaining nonprofit programs.
4. Human Services Are the Most Vulnerable
The most impacted mission focus area was Human Services (General), followed closely by Education, Health, and Youth Development. These areas are foundational to community well-being and indicate systemic risk to core support services.
5. Program Cuts, Language Shifts, and Staff Losses Are Common
Organizations reported consequences like reduced services, positions terminated, and adjustments in program language—often to navigate politically charged funding climates or avoid being labeled negatively.
6. Even Organizations Without Federal Grants Are Feeling It
Many nonprofits that don’t receive direct federal funding still reported experiencing indirect consequences—such as reduced referrals, fewer sub-grants, or strategic shifts tied to the uncertainty in the public funding landscape.
7. Budget Sizes Between $250K–$999K Are Most Prevalent
Most respondents were mid-sized nonprofits, making this group especially exposed to funding disruptions. These organizations are often large enough to run complex programs but too small to absorb multi-million-dollar losses.
8. Public Funding Reliance Is High
A large number of organizations rely on public funding for at least 50% of their budgets. This dependency heightens vulnerability in times of federal or state budget uncertainty.
9. Reserves Are Uneven and Often Insufficient
Organizations reported having 0 to 24+ months of reserves, with many under the 3–6 month benchmark. This raises financial resilience concerns, especially for those navigating canceled grants or delayed reimbursements.
10. There’s Strong Demand for Strategic Guidance
Respondents identified a clear need for support in financial management, public policy, and scenario planning—tools essential to help navigate the current climate and prepare for future disruptions.
