The Foraker Group

Many may remember the federal government shutdown of 2018 – it lasted 35 days, with far-reaching negative impacts for people, businesses, nonprofits, and the government itself. Today, we are standing on the precipice of another shutdown if Congress doesn’t pass a short-term bill, known as a continuing resolution, by Tuesday, September 30. A continuing resolution is necessary to provide temporary funding for the federal government when a new budget has not been approved for the next fiscal year, which begins on October 1, 2025.

A federal government shutdown translates to real, potentially devastating impacts on people, communities, and nonprofits that Alaskans rely on every day. Simply stated, during a shutdown, federal agencies cannot spend or obligate congressionally approved funds, including funds for paying employees, meeting grant obligations, and operating federal programs. Based on previous shutdowns, this one will have immediate and longer-term impacts on Alaska nonprofits and the people we serve. That’s because many of our nonprofits will see an increased demand for services while experiencing decreased funding.

Previous shutdowns proved in too many ways that nonprofits will once again be called upon to provide a safety net for individuals who are without a paycheck. We know that many nonprofits right now are experiencing fragile systems with too few employees, fewer volunteers, decreasing and disappearing grant funds, and a lack of funding from the failure of state government to pay grants, contracts, and reimbursements on time.

If you serve on a nonprofit board or lead a nonprofit staff, we hope you are taking steps now to prepare. If you are not sure what to do, our colleagues at the National Council of Nonprofits have prepared this helpful checklist.

Know that Foraker is ready to stand with you to help navigate your budget, staffing, or plans as you move forward.

Don’t forget to also contact our congressional delegation and let them know what a government shutdown means for the people and communities you serve. You can also use our Real Time Consequences form to help us collect the stories and effects of a government shutdown in Alaska.

Need help? Let us know. We are standing by your side.