How Nonprofits Fight Back Against Today's Biggest Federal Threats - with Sarah Saadian, National Council of Nonprofits

Sarah Saadian of the National Council of Nonprofits explains how the Trump Administration policies are reshaping the nonprofit sector through a three-pronged effort to cut-off funding, silence organizations, and erode trust in nonprofits—and why these threats affect every nonprofit, regardless of mission. She shares practical ways nonprofit leaders can take action together to defend civil society, strengthen nonprofit advocacy, and protect the communities they serve.Promo Video for this Episode: https://youtu.be/LmjA_DsErPQDownload a .pdf of the transcript of the episode:Transcript of Audio Version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y0sOKOxON29a-IRA6T3xGBGUqiUep1zj/view?usp=sharingTranscript of Video Version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F3WG1qNKqerTrDwu8hyNa1xzfMx9klrq/view?usp=sharing Guest Bio:Sarah Saadian is Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Campaigns with the National Council of Nonprofits. She has more than fifteen years of experience with national advocacy campaigns and has successfully advanced federal policies on Capitol Hill. Prior to joining NCN, Sarah served at the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Enterprise Community Partners and Rapoza Associates. She graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law after receiving her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, and she is a member of the Virginia State Bar. Essential Links:Rusty’s Call to Action YouTube Video⁠: ⁠Just Say NO to a Fake Nonprofit Pledge of Allegiance to President Trump - https://youtu.be/3Sz8zs35bMw?si=CKLrz2MquMvnI8n1⁠NCN Resource and Action Page on Proposed Regulations: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/articles/take-action-july-13-oppose-sweeping-changes-federal-grantmakingNCN’s Chart of Proposed Regulations: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/files/media/documents/2026/2026-chart-omb-uniform-proposed-changes.pdfNCN’s Guide for Submitting Your Public Comments: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/files/media/documents/2026/2026-proposed-omb-uniform-guidance-comment-guide.pdfAdd Your Organization to the National Letter: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/form/national-letter-to-protect-and-sEmail Your Member of Congress: https://ujoin.co/campaigns/4287/actions/public?action_id=6970NCN website: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/NCN’s Nonprofit Champion Newsletter - free biweekly updates on local, state, and federal policy and advocacy issues affecting nonprofits: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/newsletter-archive Sarah's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-saadian-495933b/NCN's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-council-of-nonprofits/posts/?feedView=allFund the People website: http://www.fundthepeople.orgRelated Episodes:Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy Series (A Playlist on Spotify - free Spotify account required): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/45UnbWYeqzDY9U2DVWDcHm?si=JqbTljbcSEqJZo3C6wPRhw The Federal Policy & Propaganda Landscape Facing the Nonprofit Workforce in 2026 (S9:E11, 04/01/26): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-federal-policy-propaganda-landscape-facing/id1531813289?i=1000758617691 The Trump War on Charity (S8:E1, 09/24/25):https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-trump-war-on-charity/id1531813289?i=1000728221229Defend Nonprofits, Defend the Social Safety Net - with Edward Hershey (S7:E25, 05/28/25): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defend-nonprofits-defend-the-social-safety-net/id1531813289?i=1000710317394Silence Isolates, Solidarity Shields - with Tonya Allen, McKnight Foundation (S8:E7, 11/05/25): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silence-isolates-solidarity-shields-with-tonya-allen/id1531813289?i=1000735417671When Politicians Call Nonprofits “Thugs” and “Sleazebags,” What Will You Do? (S7:E6, 01/15/25): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-politicians-call-nonprofits-thugs-and-sleazebags/id1531813289?i=1000684096236#DefendNonprofits #DefendDemocracy #FundThePeople