The Matriots exists to advance women’s equal participation in all aspects of Ohio political life. We do this work by encouraging women to find their civic voice, endorsing women candidates for public office, and advocating for women-centered policies. This election year elevated the incredible need for our work to a national stage.
Now that the dust has settled on the presidential election, nonprofits are considering their role and needs in the currently divisive political environment. We are all recovering from the effects of a particularly nasty election cycle. Nonprofit leaders will work to balance their mission with national policy shifts and cultural divides. Both hope and despair can be equally energizing.
Policies from the previous Trump presidency and 2024 campaign agenda shed some light on what to expect: Tax policy will lead to fewer individuals seeking itemized deductions, thereby reducing some incentive for giving. Legislative movement implementing America-first perspectives could alter or jeopardize nonprofit status. Social agendas reducing assistance for public welfare (like housing, food, or employment assistance) and protections for marginalized people will increase the need for nonprofits to fill these gaps; and agency budget cuts will likely lead to less available grant dollars.
Our nonprofits will be asked to do more with less.
So too will our local governments. And this is where nonprofit leadership can make an impact. Local and state agencies are still a place to seek support and they have an incredible effect on nonprofits. While The Matriots works to elect women to these local Ohio offices, nonprofits can take a few steps to make inroads:
- Reframe your message. There are always bipartisan or nonpartisan issues moving in our communities. Is there a way to tie the work you do to a less partisan perspective?
- Seek champions. Developing a relationship across the aisle can help you see an opportunity you might have missed before. This requires really listening beyond just fulfilling the needs of your organization.
- Find collaborators. We often operate from a scarcity mindset, and this environment makes us edge even further that direction. Can you find a way to partner with another organization to strengthen your work and reduce redundancy?
- Rededicate yourself to your mission. We didn’t get into this work for the money. Now is the time to remember the values that led us to this work and let our hope — a unique beacon of the nonprofit community — lead us to creative solutions.
It often feels like elections happen only every four years. In reality, we elect representatives each year.
Given the push to move more policies to the States, local and state elections matter even more. Here at The Matriots, we ask you: What are you running for, and how are you supporting getting women elected?
By: Emily Quick Shriver & Fizz White
