Nonprofit CEOs say Trump’s economy is driving surging demand—and they’re pushed to the brink

America’s nonprofits are being asked to do more with less, and the executives running them say the strain is causing massive burnout. Nearly three-quarters of nonprofit CEOs surveyed by the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) said their organizations have experienced increased demand for their services brought on by cuts to major programs, according to a report shared with Fortune this week. “The current environment has created ongoing uncertainty and strain within our organization,” one leader wrote in the report. “National cuts to major food programs have reduced resources and increased instability across the hunger-relief sector, leaving nonprofits like ours facing higher demand with fewer supports.” The pressure stems from a tougher funding environment, staff cuts, and mounting concerns about their organizations’ ability to weather the current climate. Findings are based on survey responses from 380 nonprofit leaders who cover a range of causes, including food, housing, childcare, education, health care, elder care, workforce training, and other services at a time when people need them the most. The Trump administration’s budget cuts Since President Donald Trump returned to office, he’s brought a cascade of funding cuts to the nonprofit sector. It began in late January 2025, when the Office of Management and Budget ordered a freeze on federal grants and contracts covering a wide array of aid programs. Diane Yentel, the president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, called this a “potential five-alarm fire for nonprofit organizations and the people and communities they serve.” “From pausing research on cures for childhood cancer to halting food assistance, safety from domestic violence, and closing suicide hotlines, the impact of even a short pause in funding could be devastating and cost lives,” Yentel continued in a January 2025 statement. “This order could decimate thousands of organizations and leave neighbors without the services they nee