Listening to the Field: What Frontline Nonprofits Need Now
A guide for funders who want to support nonprofits in this critical moment
We recently asked JustFund’s nonprofit community to share what resources would most support their work as they navigate complex challenges. With 555 survey responses, nonprofits sent a clear message: while funding is important—they also need infrastructure, guidance, and partnership.
This is the moment to go beyond the grant. Your support can build lasting infrastructure for impact—and the insights from our latest survey show exactly where to start.
Key Findings at a Glance
Top 5 Capacity Needs
What this means:
There s no one size fits all approach—flexible, multimodal learning options are key to nonprofit organizations success.
rimary focus areas:
D mocracy & Civic Engag m nt
What this means: Funders can seize this opportunity to support historically excluded organizations and those working on key issues under attack.
Insights from the Field: What Nonprofits are Asking For
Nonprofits want funders who invest in people, systems, and sustainability, not just short-term outcomes. The path forward starts here—with the resources nonprofits are asking for most, including:
Additional funding support, particularly with the loss of federal funds
Professional development & leadership coaching
Their Own Words: What Nonprofits Are Saying
Syatt-See You At The Top
“Direct introductions to funders aligned with our mission, especially those who are looking to sunset their funds or redirect investments to BIPOC-led, frontline work. Many of us don’t have the networks to access those rooms, even when our impact is strong. We’d also benefit from real-time intel on shifting philanthropic priorities, and curated matches between funders and organizations based on things like geography, focus area, or lived experience. Lastly, it would be powerful to see more informal “meet the funder” spaces where we can build relationships without the pressure of a polished pitch.”
Peer mentoring
Technical support (IT, systems, compliance)
Illinois Alliance for Reentry and Justice, NFP
“So many directly-impacted leaders of color still do not have access to rooms and resources. Hosting funder convenings and inviting directlyimpacted leaders of color to help open up these spaces and resources would be extremely helpful.”
America On Trial Inc.
“I see it as a space to connect with others who are aligned in purpose.”
What s Next
JustFund is launching community-informed programming focused first on fundraising—the top priority named by 84% of organizations. We’ll kick off with a live training series with trusted experts.
Let s Go Beyond the Grant
We have an opportunity to meet the needs of 20,000 frontline organizations that extend beyond the grant. Help us build this powerful capacity-building hub and help scale solutions informed by the needs of frontline organizations.
Contact Iara Peng at iara@justfund.us for more information.