In this month’s Coffee with B, one nonprofit leader asked a question that’s sitting heavy with many right now: "How do nonprofits engage, given federal uncertainty and the possibility that businesses may retreat in response?"
 
It’s a timely and important question.
 
Here in Minnesota, the impact of frozen or canceled federal funds already is being felt. As of April 11, the Minnesota Office of Management and Budget reports:

• $299M in federal funding cancelled, with another $56M at risk
• The Minnesota Department of Health alone has lost $230M and laid off 170 grant-funded employees 
• Other departments – Higher Ed, Human Services, Agriculture, and Public Safety – also are facing significant losses
• These figures don’t include cuts to nonprofits, colleges, or research institutions, which could add tens of millions or more to the total

 
The ripple effects are real. But the message I heard in response to this moment – across both nonprofit and business leaders – was one of resilience, creativity, and continued engagement.
 
Advice from leaders in the field - here’s what they had to say:

1. Start with mindset.
   "When I feel overwhelmed, I ask: what can I do? Then I commit to doing just that—what I can. It’s a posture of groundedness that keeps me moving."
2. Stay present and visible.
   Nonprofits are businesses too—and your mission may matter now more than ever. Don’t shrink back. Be visible. Be vocal. Let people see your work.
3. See businesses as partners, not just funders.
   This is a powerful time to seek wisdom, exchange ideas, and build shared understanding with business leaders.
4. Ask smart, aligned questions.
   Frame conversations around shared values. Ask how your mission intersects with their priorities. Offer ideas, not just asks.
5. Engage with empathy.
   One nonprofit leader put it this way: "Be transparent about your challenges—but also considerate of theirs. Lead with curiosity. Ask, 'Is there a way we can support you right now?' That might mean providing volunteers, collaborating on visibility, or simply being a trusted partner." Flexibility and relationship-building now can pave the way for deeper investment later.​ ​

I wanted to take a moment to lift the curtain on some of the great work our government affairs team is doing on your behalf. This is a team with a strong “heads down, get it done” mindset—which means we’re often deep in the work without always stopping to share the wins and progress in real time.
 
But make no mistake—there is meaningful, strategic work underway that is making a difference.
 
The most urgent update relates to downtown real estate.
We are tracking the status of downtown’s real estate situation, most recently the Alliance Bank Center and the Capital City Plaza parking ramp.  The Alliance Bank Center will be condemned due to property owner’s choosing to forego the payments for utilities for all tenants. The city will minimally maintain the building and perform additional temporary remedies to the building to keep it protected and secured. That section of skyway will be closed as well. Access to Osborn 370 will be through Treasure Island and Town Square to Securian. The City of Saint Paul also condemned the Capital City Plaza parking ramp. This closure will shutter access to the Cedar Street skyway bridge leading to the InterContinental Hotel, the Press House apartments, and the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office station. The Fourth Street skyway bridge will also be closed limiting access to the St. Paul Athletic Club and the already-closed Alliance Bank Center. More as we know it on this front.

Here are a few other recent highlights:

1. Partnering with the City of Saint Paul and Saint Paul Downtown Alliance on the downtown revitalization strategy, and specifically the CUB tax credit (HF 457 | SF 768), including letters of support and direct advocacy with legislators
2. Submitted letters of support and testimony at the Capitol for key bonding requests, including the RiverCentre comples Xcel Arena Complex and the Ramsey/Washington County anaerobic digester energy system (HF 701 | SF 1037)
3. Provided testimony and written support for the Minnesota Youth Program (HF 2039 | SF 2342), statewide social districts (HF 1372 | SF 1182), Paid Family and Medical Leave modifications (HF 11 | HF 1976), and Saint Paul’s proposed rent control amendment
4. Completed final review of the MRCCA (Mississippi River Critical Corridor Area) ordinance, ahead of planning commission and City Council review
5. Actively tracking additional bills on behalf of policy partners and members in Saint Paul and Ramsey County
6. Continuing our East Metro Voter Guide work, now focused on the Saint Paul Ward 4 special election and 2025 mayoral race.

 
This work reflects your Chamber’s influence and credibility at the table – locally and at the Capitol.
 
We are focused, persistent, and aligned with the priorities you’ve helped define. Thank you for your continued trust and support. As always, we welcome your questions and input as this work moves forward.
 
See you in the trenches,
B