Nonprofit Boards in the News, August 2025: Policy, Funding Shifts Abound

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Serving on a nonprofit board is a uniquely rewarding experience, but it’s also a role that is becoming more complex and demanding by the day. From navigating a shifting political landscape to staying ahead of rapidly evolving technology, today’s nonprofit directors are on the front lines of a new era of governance.

In a world where every dollar and every decision is under increasing scrutiny, staying informed is a core fiduciary duty. Our latest roundup of nonprofit news highlights the critical issues dominating the boardroom conversation. From defending against political attacks to taking the lead on cybersecurity, get the full picture of the challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit boards today and learn how your organization can survive in this turbulent environment.

Nonprofit Boards Under Pressure from Political Attacks

A significant development in the nonprofit sector is the escalating political scrutiny and attacks from government officials and conservative groups. Boards are increasingly having to navigate a challenging landscape where their work, particularly on issues like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), is being targeted through public records requests and legal action.

This has created a need for nonprofit boards to bolster their legal and compliance frameworks and, in some cases, seek out specialized legal support. This has led to the emergence of a new ecosystem of legal defense funds and nonprofit law firms dedicated to protecting organizations from these politically motivated challenges.

The Rising Importance of Cybersecurity and Tech Oversight

Nonprofit boards are being forced to confront a growing and urgent threat: cybersecurity. Recent news has highlighted that nonprofits are now the second most-targeted sector for cyberattacks.

The risk of data breaches, particularly involving sensitive donor information, is prompting boards to move beyond treating technology as a purely operational concern.

They are now being called upon to establish board-level oversight of cybersecurity, create incident response plans, and carefully vet third-party vendors. This shift represents a move to integrate tech risk into the core fiduciary duties of nonprofit directors.

Adapting to Significant Federal Policy and Funding Shifts

Nonprofit boards are actively responding to major policy and funding changes at the federal level. Proposed cuts to essential services like SNAP and Medicaid, along with shifts in charitable giving incentives, are putting strain on local organizations.

Boards are having to pivot their strategies to ensure their organizations remain resilient. This includes diversifying funding sources, strengthening performance measurement and transparency to attract new donors, and engaging in advocacy to communicate the impact of these policy changes on the communities they serve.

Board Management Software

Buyer’s Guide

The comprehensive blueprint for selecting a results-driven board management vendor.

Ready to upgrade your board’s effectiveness with OnBoard’s board intelligence platform? Schedule a demo or request a free trial.

About The Author

Adam Wire: Adam Wire is a Content Marketing Manager at OnBoard who joined the company in 2021. A Ball State University graduate, Adam worked in various content marketing roles at Angi, USA Football, and Adult & Child Health following a 12-year career in newspapers. His favorite part of the job is problem-solving and helping teammates achieve their goals. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and two dogs. He’s an avid sports fan and foodie who also enjoys lawn and yard work and running.