What Timeline is This?

August 2025

When will we get to the “precedented” times? 

We are midway through 2025, and our clients, organizations that selflessly serve and support their communities, continue to show the value of having a village of support. So far, we’ve seen these organizations provide affirming enrichment opportunities for the young people in their programs. We’ve seen clients use their organizing power to help workers navigate these uncertain times or provide support to students seeking educational opportunities at HBCUs. And we’ve seen clients support community members as they seek justice at a time when there is no clear roadmap for navigating our courts. 

These organizations serve an essential role in their communities in standard times.  But in these unprecedented times? Our clients’ efforts make a huge difference in the lives of those they serve directly and in the communities where they work. They provide hope, care, support, and safety to those who are most impacted by the current environment. 

In addition to those on the ground, leading the work, we have also seen incredible support from the community of partners that help to fund this work. Whether you call it “rage giving” or something else, donors are stepping up to try to fill the gaps left by slashed federal budgets and the elimination of DEI programs, and doing their best to combat a policy environment that targets so many marginalized groups. 

As we turn to the year-end season, a season when many organizations see a steep increase in funding activities, now is a great time to connect with folks in your community seeking to make a difference. As Gretchen Rubin has said, “Action is the antidote to anxiety.”

Client Happenings

“In uncertain and heavy times, gathering with intention is one of the most powerful, everyday ways we remember how to be human.” -Priya Parker

The past few months have been busy and fulfilling for our clients who gathered their communities for celebration and connection. 

LYRIC

LYRIC, based in San Francisco, CA, is dedicated to supporting LGBTQQ+ young people with safe, affirming spaces and programs that enable them to navigate adolescence on the way to thriving adulthoods. They kicked off a busy Pride month with Pride Pour, their intentional celebration of queer joy, resilience, and the power of community. Attendees heard from young people who were connected to stable housing, as well as, basic income opportunities, at a time when the current Administration is illegally rolling back rights and opportunities for the community. Just this month, the Administration eliminated the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides critical support to hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ youth experiencing mental health crises. Organizations like LYRIC work to ensure that youth know they are not alone and that there’s a community of adult allies who care for their well-being, despite the era of regression we’re currently in. You can learn more about LYRIC and support their work here.

Check out local news coverage on LYRIC’s PRIDE activities here. 

Healing Schools Project

Healing Schools Project welcomed in a “Summer of Healing” with their supporters who care about the mental health and well-being of educators at their Bond and Bloom event in New York City. In 2025, their work has taken on new urgency as educators bear the brunt of this Administration’s assault on marginalized groups. Many are worried about their undocumented students and, in some cases, their peer teachers. Within their school communities, educators are doing more with fewer resources and less support. Healing Schools is committed to providing educators a respite and resources for navigating this moment through their core programming and at a special day retreat. Next month, they will host the Restore and Rise Dreaming Forward Retreat for educators in the New York City area to provide an opportunity for rest, reflection, and wellness experiences like massage chairs and yoga. Invite a teacher you know to experience Restore and Rise or donate to sponsor a teacher’s attendance.

Resources & Learning

This May, we wrapped up our very first Village Learning Community cohort, an in-depth eight-week journey alongside remarkable leaders tackling the challenges of leadership during these exceptional times. Together, we explored powerful themes like “Making the Case While Centering the Community,” “People Power,” and “Building Culture Through Tools, Systems, and Transparency.”  Participants left with templates and tools they can use to strengthen their development efforts and with peer support. 

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the next cohort, click below.

On The Blog

May We Suggest

We’re sharing our recommendations on what to read, listen to, or watch to bring some joy into your week.