Nonprofit members of the Cuyahoga Human Service Chamber say that the threat of the federal funding freeze would have over a $59.3 million impact in the County. It could lead to loss of services to over 332,000 members of our community and jeopardizes the jobs of over 420 employees.
Those estimates are from only 27 organizations and there are 1,785 nonprofit health and human service nonprofits in Cuyahoga County. From Cuyahoga Human Services Chamber members, one thing is clear—the threat of losing federal grants would have a catastrophic impact on our community and increase the vulnerability who rely on the life-changing resources provided by human service nonprofits.
Threats to nonprofits are only increasing, along with uncertainty
Conversations of a chamber-like entity have been discussed amongst our nonprofit community for many years. In November, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act (HR 9495) endangered nonprofits as it would have given the U.S. Treasure Secretary authority to unilaterally cancel a nonprofit’s tax status without any evidentiary requirement. The Center for Community Solutions was quick to identify that the Cuyahoga Human Services Chamber would be an avenue for collective advocacy to fight against harmful policy proposals.
The past two weeks have only made it clearer that the Chamber is needed now more than ever to serve as a collective voice for human service nonprofit organizations in greater Cleveland. For our 60 members, the Chamber has been communicating the impact that federal grants have on our community and providing the latest information to our members. We are also creating space for members to connect with each other to process the impact of President Trump’s actions. While the federal funding is not frozen, executive orders are still in place that threaten the ability of nonprofits in Cuyahoga County from meeting their missions.
Mutual support and a collective voice for the human services sector
As the Cuyahoga Human Services Chamber continues to grow, we will develop a shared advocacy platform, promote effective collaboration, and create the opportunity for impactful collective impact. This work is driven by the ideas and creativity of our nonprofit members, who for decades have been using these skills and talents for the meeting the needs of community members experiencing poverty, hunger, homelessness, addiction and chronic health conditions.
Beyond responding to immediate threats, the Chamber will be a forum for mutual support and a collective voice for the human services sector to enhance the quality of life for all community members in Cuyahoga County.
Nonprofits working in the health and human services in Cuyahoga Country are welcome to join us. Inaugural member dues for the first year are just $100 and will immediately connect you with the latest information and to be plugged into our advocacy work.
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