July 8, 2026

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

Show Notes

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_DsErPQ

Download a .pdf of the transcript of the episode:

Transcript of Audio Version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y0sOKOxON29a-IRA6T3xGBGUqiUep1zj/view?usp=sharing

Transcript 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=CKLrz2MquMvnI8n1⁠

NCN Resource and Action Page on Proposed Regulations: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/articles/take-action-july-13-oppose-sweeping-changes-federal-grantmaking

NCN’s Chart of Proposed Regulations: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/files/media/documents/2026/2026-chart-omb-uniform-proposed-changes.pdf

NCN’s Guide for Submitting Your Public Comments: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/files/media/documents/2026/2026-proposed-omb-uniform-guidance-comment-guide.pdf

Add Your Organization to the National Letter: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/form/national-letter-to-protect-and-s

Email Your Member of Congress: https://ujoin.co/campaigns/4287/actions/public?action_id=6970

NCN 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=all

Fund the People website: http://www.fundthepeople.org