A recent survey confirms the pressures facing nonprofit organizations in Brown, Kewaunee, and Oconto counties. Nearly 9 out of 10 organizations report reductions in funding this year, while more than 70% are experiencing a rise in demand for their services.

Launched in September 2025 by a group of seven regional funders* including the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, the survey collected responses from 210 nonprofit leaders in Northeast Wisconsin. Participants shared insights into the growing gap between what communities need and the capacity of local nonprofits to provide those services.

More than half of nonprofit leaders in Brown, Kewaunee, and Oconto counties who responded to the survey reported:

• Difficulty meeting operational costs.
• A reduction in individual donations.
• A cut, freeze, or delay in federal funding.

The impact is more pronounced in Kewaunee and Oconto counties, where 60% of organizations report a cut, freeze, or delay in federal funding.

Leaders cited rising community needs, policy changes affecting services, limited public awareness, and volunteer recruitment and retention as top challenges. They identified several types of support that would be most valuable, including policy advocacy, capacity building and leadership development, amplification of nonprofit voices, and rapid-response funding.

“When the funding landscape changes, the missions of these organizations doesn’t – and in fact right now there is growing demand to support the community’s needs,” said Amber Paluch, Senior Vice President of Community Impact. “Food pantry shelves still need to be stocked, community clinics still need to see patients, and organizations need the support to keep these operations going for those most in need.”

The survey underscores the importance of continued support for local nonprofits and offers funders, policymakers, and community members actionable insights to strengthen the capacity of organizations serving the region.

For more information about the survey, contact Amber Paluch at amberpaluch@ggbcf.org.

To learn more about community needs and ways to get involved, visit ggbcf.org.

*The seven regional funders are the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, Nonprofit Leadership Initiative, Shawano Area United Way, United Way Brown County, and United Way Fox Cities.