Q: How is SEEDS managing in the midst of rapid change, executive orders, and proposed budget cuts to our programming?
A: As is true for many in our nonprofit world, we directly receive and have partners who receive federal funding, which has been dramatically unstable of late. The chain reaction impacts of work stoppages, cuts, and changes already made can not yet be fully realized.
That said, at this time and for the foreseeable future, SEEDS programming is carrying on largely as normal, and for that we are grateful. We are translating the worries we have about an increasingly unpredictable future into positive action today. We are grounded by the knowledge that, in times like these, our purpose, work, and relationships are more important than ever.
Q: Where can I learn more about how nonprofits are being impacted across the country?
A: We recommend checking out these resources linked below. We have found them to be very relevant and kept up to date.
- L4G Litigation Tracker
- National Council of Nonprofits Information Hubs: Frequently Asked Questions on Executive Actions Impacting Nonprofits | Executive Orders Affecting Charitable Nonprofits Chart | The Impacts of the Recent Executive Orders on Nonprofits
Q: Has anything been eliminated from SEEDS programming?
A: Our Michigan Healthy Climate Corps member received a stop work order in April, along with all other AmeriCorps members. Michigan Healthy Climate Corps is an AmeriCorps program tasked with empowering and mobilizing all of Michigan to meet the goals of the State’s MI Healthy Climate Plan. While the State of Michigan is one of 24 states that has engaged in a lawsuit related to this AmeriCorps stop-work order, we do not expect the courts to reinstate the program without completely disrupting this current cohort’s term. While our Climate Corpsmember will be fine and has many offers of work (including from us), we feel for the dozens of corpsmembers across the state who were essentially fired in the middle of their term of service, which was set to end in October.
Other current reductions mostly stem from the trickle-down impact of funding cuts to our partners such as the National Park Service and the US Forest Service. Partnerships with these agencies are critical for access to worksites on public lands and training opportunities. Additionally, many federally-derived funding opportunities for work on public lands that EcoCorps would usually be eligible for have been severely reduced or completely eliminated. We are still waiting for some funding decisions for the upcoming season, but are preparing to have a smaller EcoCorps program this year compared to last year.
Q: In what areas (programming or otherwise) does SEEDS need the most support right now?
A: Unrestricted gifts enable us to direct funding where it is most needed to keep the organization operating effectively and strategically. Our unrestricted funding goal for 2025 is $250,000.
We are seeking funding to support paid training opportunities for our EcoCorps crew members. EcoCorps is a service-based jobs program that helps people as young as 16 develop skills and career experiences necessary to transition into college or employment. The average cost of providing four weeks of paid training is $6,250 per person. Training time includes basic training for seasonal field work and also substantial time learning regenerative agricultural practices at the SEEDS Farm, learning woodworking and carpentry in the SEEDS Workshop, and engaging in citizen science projects across the region.
SEEDS is also in need of a new vehicle, ideally a van, or a car with a hatchback. Our programs are spread across seven rural counties and our program directors are regularly visiting all of them, delivering supplies and providing support and coaching to site staff. We welcome conversations about cash grants or donations towards this equipment purchase, as well as an in-kind gift of a new or old vehicle in good condition.
Q: How is SEEDS attempting to get ahead of further budget cuts and/or other changes?
A: Our strengths have always been rooted in our passion for impact, our affinity for partnership, and our ability to adapt. The best way to weather this storm is to have our goals and priorities clear and inspirational. Fortunately, in 2024 we had already entered a strategic planning phase and have determined that this activity remains a high priority. Additionally, we are taking prudent steps to be prepared for changes, both known and unknown. These include:
- Identifying key risks to SEEDS and engaging in scenario planning
- Prioritizing collaborative networks and exploring new and deeper ways to partner
- Continuing funding diversification activities
- Directly connecting with legislators, inviting them to our programs to see the impact government funding has
- Encouraging advocacy by the public toward good governance and government actions that support people and planet
Q: How can the community support SEEDS?
A: Individuals can:
- Donate to our general fund
- Hire EcoCorps for a landscaping or conservation project
- Purchase a Wood Rescue item
- Sign up for a class or volunteer event
- Share our newsletter or social media posts with someone you think would like to support what we do
- Encourage your legislators to include funding in upcoming budgets for any social or environmental program important to you, including childcare, food access, nutrition education, public lands management, and workforce development
Organization, Businesses, and/or Municipalities can:
- Donate or become a sponsor
- Hire EcoCorps for a landscaping or conservation project
- Hire EcoStrategies to support your sustainability and resilience efforts
- Bulk purchase Wood Rescue items like park benches or tables
- Partner with us on grant opportunities that benefit you, we offer some grant writing services as well as specialized technical assistance for grant and RFP drafts.
- We love partnership! Do you already do something similar to EcoSchool, EcoCorps, or EcoStrategies? Maybe we can be stronger together!
