Advocating for Impact: What Nonprofits Need to Know Right Now

This blog is estimated to take 5 minutes to read.

As federal policies continue to evolve and states prepare to implement major changes, nonprofit leaders gathered for a timely discussion on effective federal advocacy. Hearing from policy experts, nonprofit executives, and government affairs professionals, participants explored how to navigate today’s political landscape—and why now is a crucial moment to act.

Working with the Administration and Congress

The Federal Landscape: Timing Is Everything

The federal appropriations process is underway in both houses. With new block grants in motion, much of the implementation will happen at the state level on tight timelines. Nonprofits must engage now to shape how these resources are allocated and regulated. Use the August recess, when delegation members are at home, to meet with them. Invite them to tour your facility or meet with other partners. Invite them to events. Use this time to build relationships and talk to them about the impact of decisions made in DC at home.

Even with legislation like the budget reconciliation bill passed, federal and state leaders are still grappling with its full impact. This moment offers a rare window to influence not only funding priorities but also the rules that will define how dollars flow.

Getting to Know Nebraska’s Congressional Delegation

Relationships matter, and committees matter. Understanding the committees that the delegation serve on, where they may have additional influence, can improve your advocacy:

• Sen. Deb Fischer: Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Appropriations; Armed Services; Commerce, Science and Transportation; Rules and Administration.
• Sen. Pete Ricketts: Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Budget, Environment and Public Works; Foreign Relations.
• Rep. Mike Flood: Financial Services
• Rep. Don Bacon: Agriculture; Armed Services.
• Rep. Adrian Smith: Ways and Means Committee, Joint Committee on Taxation.

Advocacy Principles & Strategies

In today’s politically charged climate, it’s easy to feel discouraged—but consistent advocacy is essential. Policymakers need to hear from nonprofits regularly—not just when legislation is on the line.

Best Practices for Effective Advocacy:

• Build before you ask: Use your first meeting to introduce your organization and build trust.
• Be a resource: Staffers are overworked and often face hostility. Offer thoughtful, useful information—and a positive experience.
• Tailor your message: Short meetings require clarity. Share data, human stories, and local relevance.
• Engage district staff first: They live in Nebraska and often serve as critical connectors to DC offices.
• Gratitude matters: Send handwritten notes to state offices (postal delays make them risky in DC); email DC staffers thank you notes directly.

Staying Strategic

• Show the economic and social impact of your work.
• Connect your message to a policymaker’s known interests.
• Coordinate with coalitions to amplify impact and avoid burnout.
• Follow 501(c)(3) rules carefully—the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table and Nebraska Appleseed are great local resources. Bolder Advocacy is an awesome national resource.

Learning from Nonprofits Leading Federal Advocacy

Moderator: Buey Tut (SPARK)
Panelists: Erik Omar (CIRA), Becca Brune (Nebraska Appleseed), Tim Williams (Food Bank for the Heartland), Jeff Kratz (UNMC)

Building Relationships from the Ground Up

Successful advocacy starts early—ideally before an official is even elected. Post-election follow-up, consistent outreach, and working as a coalition can make your voice more powerful.

Staff turnover? Treat it as an opportunity to reintroduce your work and refresh your message.

Key Lessons

• Align your goals with a policymaker’s priorities.
• Trust is everything. When staff view you as a go-to expert, you gain long-term influence.
• Private conversations often differ from public personas. Don’t let headlines or partisan posturing prevent you from initiating dialogue.
• Even smaller nonprofits can play an important role. Find coalition partners to work with and play to the strengths of each.

Advocacy in Action: Audience Takeaways

• Phone campaigns: Great for raising awareness but less effective on high-profile national issues.
• Multi-issue advocacy: Be selective. Prioritize based on what matters most and aligns with your mission.
• Power mapping: Know who has influence; identify allies and potential champions. Relationships matter behind the scenes as much as in public.

Working with the Governor and State Agencies to Implement Federal Policy

Moderator: Lina Traslavina Stover (Heartland Workers Center)
Panelists: Amy Behnke (HCAN), Matt Blomstedt (University of Nebraska), Julie Erickson (ACG), Trevon Brooks (Omaha Innovation Connection Hub)

Why the Executive Branch Matters

Federal policy is implemented at the state level. That makes state agencies—and the Governor’s Office—critical partners. This will be particularly true of implementing the budget reconciliation bill.

Keys to Successful State-Level Engagement

• Build relationships within agencies and the governor’s office.
• Lean on state senators to open doors and share information.
• Be prepared: conduct scenario planning to respond quickly to policy shifts.
• Coordinate strategy with coalition partners.
• State agencies often lack deep subject-matter expertise, making nonprofit insight and data essential.
• As a content expert, your organization can serve as a strategic thought partner. How you position yourself matters.
• Track other states like Iowa or South Dakota—they often serve as both models and cautionary tales.

Effective Messaging and Mistakes to Avoid

• Tailor your message to your audience. A rural senator may respond best to a local job creation story, while others might need data.
• Avoid overly technical language. Be clear, concise, and respectful.
• Don’t overextend. Focus on 2–3 key policy priorities and communicate them effectively.
• Stay professional, even in disagreement. Today’s opponent may be tomorrow’s ally.

Final Thoughts: Act Now, Collaborate Often

The next six months are pivotal. With federal funding in motion and state agencies gearing up for implementation, nonprofits must stay informed, coordinate with allies, and elevate their voices. Whether working with Congress or a state agency, your insight, relationships, and persistence can shape policy—and improve lives.

Let’s make it count.