How your nonprofit can use social media to respond to the government shutdown

In recent months, we’ve seen how changes in US funding are shaping what our clients can do.

Many of these organizations are now facing even more uncertainty because of the government shutdown. As a team specializing in digital strategy, awareness campaigns, and community building, we’re looking into how nonprofits can strategically navigate this turbulent period, not just operationally, but digitally.

A government shutdown represents more than just political gridlock; it actively disrupts the vital work that nonprofits perform in local communities across the United States.

Last week, Stephanie Beasley reported for the Chronicle of Philanthropy on the stakes for nonprofits with a shutdown looming. Shutdowns add significant stress to nonprofits that may have already been grappling with federal funding cuts, she wrote.

When the government shuts down, most federal agencies can’t spend money. That means nonprofits relying on federal grants or contracts may not receive promised funds, potentially forcing them to halt programs or operations entirely.

Diane Yentel, CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, emphasized the financial danger inherent in these funding gaps. She told Ms. Beasley that an extended government shutdown can “force nonprofits to take out expensive loans, adding unforeseen costs to their budget. It’s a financial and operational drag.”

To mitigate financial harm, organizations are advised to be proactive and plan for long-term survival. While some agencies might have contingency plans that allow federal dollars to continue flowing, it is highly likely that the points-of-contact for those grants will be unavailable until the government reopens. As Ben Kershaw, Independent Sector’s director of public policy and government relations, pointed out, this leaves nonprofits “flying blind.”

The pressure doesn't stop at funding cuts. The shutdown environment often creates a surge in demand for services.

So, what does this mean for nonprofits in the United States? We have collected a few recommendations to inform digital strategy and output through the government shutdown:

• Advocacy and Awareness: Nonprofits are advised to press members of Congress to make a deal. Social media is the perfect channel for immediate, coordinated advocacy campaigns - sharing clear messaging, encouraging engagement with representatives, and building public pressure around the urgency of keeping services funded.
• Urgent Fundraising: Since federal funds are halted and demand for services increases, your digital channels can pivot to uplifting fundraising campaigns that support urgent work. Focus on the immediate, tangible needs of the community and the gap the shutdown is creating.
• Community Communication: If your operations or service availability is changing due to financial uncertainty or the inability to contact federal grant managers, your community needs to know. Use clear, accessible, and frequent social media updates to manage expectations and communicate critical service changes.
• Managing the Mental Drain: This process is already adding stress to the sector. Use your social platforms to acknowledge the difficulty and foster community support and resilience.

The US government shutdown creates a massive waste of resources for the nonprofit sector. This uncertainty is an opportunity for swift, engaging content production in order to keep supporters informed, committed, and mobilized.

At Catnip Comms, our team approach emphasizes leveraging quick-turnaround of digital assets. If you’d like to chat about how we can help you pinch hit, right now, then please get in touch. Let’s turn out some highly effective and timely campaigns!