Regina Pinney
Executive Director

From Reagan to Trump: How Federal Tax Policy Shapes Philanthropy and Community Power

In the early 1980s, President Ronald Reagan ushered in a new era of federal policy marked by deep tax cuts, sweeping deregulation, and a rhetorical commitment to shrinking the role of the federal government. His administration’s economic philosophy, often called “trickle-down economics,” rested on the belief that the private sector—including charitable organizations—could address social problems more effectively than centralized government programs.

Critics rightly pointed out that many of Reagan’s policies disproportionately harmed low-income and marginalized communities. Yet one enduring impact that often goes overlooked is how his administration’s tax reforms incentivized private philanthropy. By lowering income tax rates while retaining or even enhancing the charitable deduction, Reagan encouraged individuals and corporations to give more of their wealth away in service of the public good. The premise was clear: if government would no longer meet community needs at scale, then private giving would need to fill that gap—and tax policy was designed to support that shift.

DEI, Federal Funding, and the Confusion in Between

As the Membership and Outreach Coordinator at Nonprofit Network, I’m fortunate to attend networking events, resource fairs, association meetings, and legislative panels—and share space with so many incredible community leaders. These opportunities allow me to better understand not simply the organizations we serve, but the real-world challenges nonprofits are facing every day.

Right now, while things feel ever shifting at the federal level and uncertain across the state, nonprofits are doing what they’ve always done: showing up and serving. They’re raising their voices, adjusting priorities, and finding creative ways—like they did during COVID—to keep moving forward and continue advancing their missions.

Recently, I had the chance to attend a Legislative Breakfast Panel hosted by the Michigan Nonprofit Association. In this space, nonprofit leaders and state and federal representatives came together to talk about new federal changes that could have serious impacts on the sector. One hot topic: the growing confusion around DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in federal grant applications.

Here’s the tricky part: as of now, there’s no clear definition from the federal government on what counts as a “DEI activity.” Recent executive orders have removed DEI from federal funding criteria altogether—and in some cases, even prohibit it—without offering any real clarity.

Building Stronger Nonprofits: A Conversation with Anne & Ella
In this special blog interview, we bring together two of our incredible team members: Anne, our Membership and Outreach Coordinator, and Ella, our Capacity Building Consultant. Anne plays a key role in connecting nonprofits with valuable resources, fostering relationships, and ensuring our members feel supported every step of the way. Meanwhile, Ella works closely with organizations to strengthen their capacity, offering expert guidance on governance, leadership development, and sustainability. Let's dive in!

Anne: Capacity Building Consultant" is a big title! How do you explain to people what you 'do'?

Ella: Great question! In simple terms, I help nonprofits become stronger, more effective, and better equipped to fulfill their missions. More specifically, I work with organizations to build the skills, structures, and strategies they need to grow and sustain their impact. That might mean training staff and leaders, improving fundraising strategies, strengthening operations, or helping a team align around a shared vision. Every nonprofit has unique challenges, and my role is to provide the guidance, tools, and support that empower them to thrive in the long run. Think of me as a partner in making good work even better! 

Anne: What kinds of organizations have you had the opportunity to support during your time at Nonprofit Network?

Zoe Lyons
Capacity Builder

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women throughout history. For me, this month is not just about looking back—it’s about celebrating the strong women who have shaped my life and the future we continue to build together.

I was raised by an incredibly strong mother; a woman whose determination and grace inspire me every day. She taught me resilience, the power of standing up for myself, and the importance of lifting others along the way. Because of her, I grew up believing that strength and kindness could and should, go hand in hand.

My mother made sure I knew that throughout history, women have had to fight for their rights—for the right to vote, to work, to receive an education, and to have a voice in society. Progress was not given; it was demanded by generations of women who refused to accept inequality. From the suffragists who fought tirelessly for the 19th Amendment to the activists who continue to push for gender equity today, every step forward has been earned through persistence and courage.