Local Nonprofits Face Strain, Need Your Help
At the end of September 2025, our United Way was proud to partner with 6 other regional funders in conducting a joint survey of nonprofits throughout the Northeastern Region of Wisconsin. 210 nonprofits responded to the survey with 70 that provide services in Shawano and Menominee Counties. This includes organizations that are both based in our counties and those who are based elsewhere but have outreach programs in our service area.
The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley has written a great overview article of the total results that you can read here: Community Foundation Article. You can also view their overview PowerPoint of the results here: Survey Results PowerPoint. Below are some of our takeaways from the data specific to Shawano and Menominee Counties.
Of the 70 agencies working throughout our service area, 55, or 79%, have experienced reductions in funding this past year. The below chart breaks down where these reductions are coming from between Government Grants, Foundation Grants, Corporate Giving and Sponsorships, and Individual Donations.
When asked about the impact of these funding reductions, here is what a couple of the organizations had to say:
"Loss of funding has drastically affected our staffing. In the past, we had at least one full-time employee and two part-time employees, with occasional contractors. We are currently staffed with one part-time employee and several volunteers. Staffing shortages have led to cancelation of several programs."
"More money continues to come out of our budget. We are trying to sustain our organization, but with decreased donations we might have to put a cap on how many children we can help."
And these organizations were not alone. 80% of nonprofits operating in our service area that responded to the survey reported the funding reductions and other factors are making an impact on their staff. From reductions of total staff, retaining key staff positions, and lower morale and wellbeing amongst those who remain, these organizations that cannot run on volunteers alone are feeling the pressure. Especially because 71% of the nonprofits, despite having reduction in funding, have experienced increased demand for their services. Our nonprofits are being asked to do more with less than ever before.
Nonprofits Remain Resilient
Despite these drastic changes, our nonprofits are remaining resilient and adapting to the landscape at hand. 41 organizations reported that in response to these difficult times, they are greatly increasing their collaboration efforts with other organizations in their service area. 46 reported they are working on diversifying their funding sources so they can remain more financially viable amidst changes coming in the future. These are good shifts as we consider the nonprofit business model and that we are stronger when we work together, rather than as silos based on services rendered.
However, these changes take time to enact. Plans need to be created, put in place, and acted upon, all of which takes time. Many of our local organizations feel the pressure of immediacy due to the increased need of their services.
How Can You Help?
As we approach the end of 2025 and you consider both your year-end giving strategies and your goals for 2026, there are a variety of ways you can support the nonprofit community.
1) Give unrestricted donations. Comparatively, it's easy for nonprofits to find funding for their supplies and programming. It's harder to find funding to support staffing and general options. Your individual and corporation donations that go to general operating support can make a nonprofit continuing to function. Volunteers are great, but many of our local nonprofits need staff to oversee the day-to-day operations just like any business would. Most nonprofits let you donate directly to them online through their website.
If you want to support nonprofits but don't know which to choose from, consider supporting a Community Foundation Fund or your local United Way. These organizations, to include the Shawano Area United Way, support a wide variety of nonprofits with funding and vet every need so you can be sure that your donation is going to where it's needed most. You can donate to our United Way here: Donate.
2) Volunteer. Many of our Shawano Area nonprofits are in need of volunteers to help with their programming. This can be as involved from serving as a Board Member or Committee Member to as easy as showing up for a one-time event like SAM25's Take Them a Meal Program. If you are unsure of what opportunities are available to you, check out our Volunteer Opportunities Database. There are over 30 volunteer opportunities listed throughout Shawano and Menominee Counties that you could get involved with in 2026!
We have also started coordinating curated volunteer events for businesses. If your business is looking to get its employees out and serving in the community, please feel free to reach out to us and we will work on setting up an event with one of the local organizations we are involved with.
3) Advocate and spread awareness. Just because you know about the amazing work our nonprofits are doing, doesn't mean the rest of the community does. Help spread the word about organizations you are involved. Share about the work they are doing, why you support them, and invite your friends and family to join you. If you believe in the mission, chances are they will too!
4) Ask them. Our local nonprofits are some of the most enthusiastic people and organizations you will ever meet. Ask them directly what they need most in this moment. They will be happy to share their thoughts with you and they will always be the experts in the work they are undertaking.
Conclusion
2025 has been a hard year for many of our organizations supporting those most in need in our communities. Together, we can shift the narrative for 2026. Our nonprofits which have supported so many over the years, need our support now. As we end the first quarter of this century, we invite you to consider how you will leave a legacy that impacts the next 25 years. United is the way we take care of those who take care of others.