Rhode Island’s nonprofit sector is facing a double threat: a looming state budget deficit as American Rescue Plan Act and Inflation Reduction Act funds expire and the uncertainty of a Trump administration poised to make sweeping – and potentially devastating – policy changes.
And that says nothing of the economic ripple effects we’re all bracing for because of the president-elect’s flirtation with tariffs, isolationist trade policies and a policy agenda that seeks to exacerbate stigmas against vulnerable populations.
In response to this uncertainty, many nonprofit organizations are understandably adopting more-conservative budgets, prioritizing direct services, and reducing spending on public relations and marketing. But cutting back on PR is a mistake – one that could leave nonprofits without the tools they need to protect their missions, advocate for public funding and attract private support.
Rhode Island’s nonprofit sector has long depended on public funding streams to sustain critical services. For example, take Real Jobs Rhode Island, a successful employer-aligned workforce training initiative that has experienced midyear budget cuts.
Since its launch early in then-Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s first term, Real Jobs RI has created opportunities, helped address workforce shortages and has driven long-term economic growth. When these resources were cut, the nonprofits that build and deliver training curricula were left with impossible operational decisions and put in a position to fight to protect what was left.
The truth is policymakers often make funding decisions based on what they hear from their constituents and stakeholders and a calculation of how much public awareness there is about any given program. In the face of potential cuts, if your organization isn’t speaking up – sharing stories of impact, demonstrating the value of your work, and providing compelling and tangible data – it’s a lot easier for budget makers to put your programs on the chopping block.
In response to expected cuts in public funding, many organizations are wisely seeking support from private funders, both institutional grantmakers and individual donors. These funders, though, are becoming increasingly selective about where to direct their dollars.
Funders expect to know why your organization is a credible, innovative and essential partner in driving change. A strong communications strategy helps position your organization as a leader in the field, building trust with donors and making your mission resonate with those who have the resources to sustain it.
For organizations operating with lean budgets, investing in communications might feel like a luxury.
But strategic PR and marketing amplify the impact of every dollar you spend on programs, especially when you pick the right communications partners.
A skilled agency can provide senior-level strategy, media relations, content development, and crisis communications at a fraction of the cost of maintaining a comprehensive in-house team. For organizations with annual budgets of around $5 million, the total cost of a full-time communications team – including salaries, benefits and tools such as media monitoring – can easily exceed $250,000 per year. In contrast, agency partnerships often range from $5,000 to $10,000 per month, offering flexibility and scalability without long-term overhead.
This isn’t to suggest nonprofits should immediately reduce internal capacity; rather, it’s an opportunity to evaluate how resources are allocated. For smaller teams, an agency can amplify in-house efforts and provide strategic guidance during critical moments.
Rhode Island’s nonprofits are on the front lines of addressing some of the most pressing challenges our state faces, from workforce development to food security to housing stability. The stakes are high, and the decisions we make now will determine whether our sector can continue to lead and deliver impact.
For nonprofit leaders, the message is clear: Don’t let fear or uncertainty drive you to go silent. Speak up, advocate for your mission, and show funders and policymakers why your work matters. With the right communications strategy, nonprofits can weather this storm and emerge stronger on the other side.
Mike Raia is the founder and president of Half Street Strategic Consulting LLC. He served as then-Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s communications director from 2016 to 2019.
