#2. The Nonprofit Sector Under Threat: How Martha Schumacher is Fighting for Civil Society, Free Speech, and the Future of Giving
Manage episode 493305299 series 3672710
In this urgent and inspiring episode, nonprofit leader and fundraising powerhouse Martha Schumacher joins AmickyCarol to sound the alarm about the rapid dismantling of America’s nonprofit infrastructure—just 90 days into a new administration. From wolf restoration in Yellowstone to securing $21 million for affordable housing in DC, Martha shares her lifelong commitment to equity, justice, and building resilient communities.
But today, she warns of unprecedented threats to civil society: the shuttering of USAID, the mass loss of nonprofit jobs, and the potential revocation of tax-exempt status for institutions like Harvard and environmental charities.
🔹 Grew up in Ann Arbor with a family rooted in civil rights and social justice
🔹 Early fundraising roles with Greenpeace and Defenders of Wildlife
🔹 Helped restore wolves to Yellowstone National Park as a conservation milestone
🔹 Recently led a $21M campaign to double affordable housing units in the DC region
🔹 Raises the alarm over 10,000 nonprofit job losses and defunding of key agencies like USAID
🔹 Highlights the erosion of democracy and free speech through targeted attacks on nonprofits
🔹 Reflects on the dangers of international aid dependency and calls for sustainable development
🔹 Emphasizes the urgent need for unrestricted, trust-based giving—like that led by MacKenzie Scott
“Injustice anywhere represents the potential for injustice everywhere.”
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🎙️ Podcast produced by Humanise Live – helping charities and social causes bring their stories to life through audio.Learn more at www.humanise.live or [email protected]
Chapters
1. Welcome to World Changers Podcast (00:00:00)
2. Meet Martha Schumacher (00:00:52)
3. From Journalism to Nonprofit Leadership (00:08:02)
4. Making a Real Difference (00:14:14)
5. Exploring Washington DC and Ann Arbor (00:18:01)
6. Impact of cuts to USAID & other Agencies (00:24:00)
7. The USAID Controversy and Aid Dependency (00:30:20)
8. Tax-Exempt Status Under Threat (00:37:07)
3 episodes