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by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network The landscape of public policy has become increasingly dynamic, with recent executive actions leaving many nonprofit organizations grappling with uncertainty. From sudden funding freezes to sweeping regulatory changes, these actions can have profound and often immediate ramifications on a nonprofit’s ability to fulfill its core […]

In 2025, nonprofits are navigating an unprecedented landscape of complex challenges—from escalating social inequalities to the impacts of climate change—problems that are inherently multifaceted and demand collaborative solutions involving a wide array of community stakeholders. However, the sector faces persistent challenges: dwindling resources, fluctuating public engagement, and the need to demonstrate measurable impact in an

Download the Legislative Calendar here. Download the Legislative Report here. NEXT WEEK’S CALENDAR: Tuesday: Wednesday:

Executive Summary This report presents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing Tennessee’s nonprofit sector in the early months of 2025, based on a survey of 99 organizations from across the state of Tennessee. Key findings reveal a sector grappling with uncertainty due to political and societal shifts, facing potential funding cuts amidst

by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network The Startup Saga: Where Chaos May Rule But Dreams Can Take Flight In the beginning, there’s a room. It might be a cramped office, a borrowed conference space, or even someone’s living room. But wherever it is, it’s buzzing with a unique kind of energy.

THIS WEEK’S RUNDOWN: Download the updated legislative calendar here. Download the legislative report here. On Tuesday, the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee heard and approved expansion requests for the Department of Health and the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (TDMHSAS). TDH TDMHSAS On Wednesday, the House Finance Ways and Means Committee heard

by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network There’s a certain quiet amusement that can come with realizing you’ve built a career on the foundation of being consistently underestimated. It’s not a path I consciously chose, mind you. In fact, for a long time, it was a source of significant insecurity. But as

by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEOTennessee Nonprofit Network The contemporary landscape for nonprofit organizations is characterized by a degree of volatility rarely seen in recent history. Presidential executive orders, shifting legislative priorities, and fluctuating funding streams create a complex and often unpredictable environment. In such times, the role of a nonprofit’s board of directors

Download the full legislative report/tracker here. Download the full legislative calendar here. NEXT WEEK’S CALENDAR: Tuesday: Wednesday:

The heightened scrutiny, evolving regulations, and increased risk of audits that characterize today’s climate make robust document retention policies an urgent necessity for all nonprofits. This is especially true for those organizations that rely on federal, state, and local grants, where meticulous record-keeping is not just a best practice, but a critical compliance requirement. In