ACCP Members Only Discussion
May, 2025
In May, ACCP facilitated a members-only panel, Policy Shifts & Purpose: What Social Impact Leaders Need to Know Now. With the policy environment evolving quickly—from proposed tax legislation to shifting regulatory scrutiny—our expert panel offered practical insights on how corporate citizenship professionals can stay proactive, thoughtful, and values-driven.
Here are the key takeaways:
Filter signal from noise
Not every headline requires action—but some do. Stay focused on relevant developments, including pending tax changes and increased scrutiny of areas like DEI, international giving, and refugee or environmental programs. Trusted sources like the National Council of Nonprofits can help you track what truly matters.
Assess and manage risk
Panelists recommended reviewing grant agreements, website language, document retention policies, and email practices. Consider shifting from “grant contracts” to “grant agreements” and connect with legal/risk teams to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities—especially if you’re supporting potentially politicized issues.
Strengthen your internal decision-making
Create a stakeholder map. Anchor decisions in your organization’s core values. Develop a triage framework or escalation pathway to help teams respond consistently and confidently to new developments. Scenario planning exercises with key stakeholders can surface gaps and build internal alignment.
Show up as a true partner
Many nonprofit partners are navigating the same uncertainty, often with fewer resources. Be proactive: offer flexible funding, accelerate grants where possible, and open a dialogue about their needs. Non-financial support and clear communication can go a long way in building trust.
Connect impact to business outcomes
Use this moment to strengthen the business case for your work. Panelists emphasized the importance of shared value—linking social impact to outcomes like employee engagement, retention, and cost savings. As one shared, “Programs designed for the most vulnerable often benefit everyone.”
Additional Resources
When + How to Take a Stand: Emerging Issue Action Model
How to Juggle as Requests for Funding Surge
Perseverance is Essential to Lead in Social Impact Today
The bottom line? This is a moment for calm, coordinated leadership. By staying grounded in your values, partnering with intention, and preparing thoughtfully, you can continue to drive meaningful impact-regardless of the political climate.
A special thank you to our panelists- Mark Feldman (Cause Consulting), Nikhil Bumb (FSG) Patricia McIlreavy (Center for Disaster Philanthropy), and Robert Waldman (Venable) for sharing their deep expertise and thoughtful perspectives.
