Podcast Summary: Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

Episode: How to Deal with Next Round of Federal Funding Cuts with Kendall Webb

Release Date: January 21, 2026
Guest: Kendall Webb, founder and executive director of Charity Bridge Fund

Episode Overview

In this timely and urgent episode, host Julia Campbell sits down with digital philanthropy pioneer Kendall Webb to address the ongoing crisis of federal funding cuts affecting nonprofits across the US. The conversation explores the root causes, the emotional and organizational impact, and concrete strategies for nonprofits to brace for — and adapt to — an increasingly volatile funding environment. Webb shares the story behind Charity Bridge Fund, a platform connecting donors with organizations hit by defunding, and offers hope and practical wisdom for navigating the challenges ahead.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Evolution of Digital Philanthropy

[03:10–07:01]

• Kendall Webb’s journey into the sector: from selling products online during the dawn of e-commerce to founding Just Give, an early online giving platform for nonprofits.
• Leveling the playing field: The internet enabled small and mid-sized nonprofits to have visibility and fundraising tools previously only available to large orgs.
• Innovations such as charity gift cards and using credit card points for donations—making giving part of daily life, not just “end-of-year.”

“The Internet really opened up a whole scope of access… to also enter the retail spending world.” —Kendall Webb [06:19]

2. Genesis & Purpose of the Charity Bridge Fund

[07:01–10:42]

• Charity Bridge Fund launched as a direct response to under-reported, widespread defunding: nonpartisan, sector-wide, and cross-cutting.
• Provides a central hub for nonprofits to share their stories and for donors to clearly understand the scope and scale of defunding across sectors.
• Webb stresses the importance of storytelling for both transparency and donor understanding.

“It scared me so much because it was across all sectors… it’s important for all of us to understand.” —Kendall Webb [08:41]

3. Communicating Funding Cuts: From Transparency to Urgency

[10:42–15:30]

• Julia emphasizes that nonprofits must communicate the real impacts—not with alarmism but candidly, to engage donors’ empathy and understanding.
• Many orgs stopped sharing out of fear of seeming weak, but this damages trust and donor awareness.
• Emotional impact discussed: ongoing uncertainty (about grants, new funding streams) is mentally draining for leadership and staff.

“Not Chicken Little, the sky is falling, but really helping donors… understand the dramatic implications.” —Julia Campbell [10:49]

4. Major Areas Impacted and What’s Next in 2026

[15:31–19:29]

• The 2026 federal budget looks bleak: cuts expected to compound, especially for youth, education, SNAP, Medicaid, and public health.
• The ripple effect: Webb walks through how food bank cuts, paired with inflation and SNAP/Medicaid cuts, create a cascading crisis—food insecurity leading to family homelessness and more.

“For one meal that a food bank gives, SNAP gives nine… it’s not just an incremental 10% need—it’s exponential.”—Kendall Webb [18:04]

5. Framing the Big Picture: Why This Matters to All

[19:29–23:40]

• Julia underscores that funding choices reflect societal values; Kendall gives historical context showing nonprofits are vital government partners, not optional extras.
• The US government historically contracted core services to nonprofits—not charity, but efficiency and effectiveness.

“These were contracts that the government wanted done often.” —Kendall Webb [22:33]

6. Tactics for Nonprofits: Adaptation & Collaboration

[23:40–25:51]

• Collaboration is crucial: Engage with peer organizations, share challenges/solutions, and seek efficiencies even with competitors.
• Break down donor confusion by working together—now is not the time to silo.

“I think the nonprofit sector has an opportunity to partner in the most efficient and effective way… even having efficiencies of scale on the back end.” —Kendall Webb [24:07]

• Deepen donor engagement: Don’t be afraid to share real struggles or ask for more—donors are ready to step up.

7. How Donor Behavior Is Shifting

[25:51–27:26]

• Personal “passion areas” are giving way to gifts based on urgent, local, and national need.
• Donors want to help beyond writing checks—activating their networks, giving time, and sharing expertise.

“Use your donors, educate them, make them stronger and you'll be stronger.” —Kendall Webb [27:17]

8. Hope for the Sector & Call to Action

[27:26–31:00]

• Despite the challenges, Webb is inspired by the resilience and “grit” of nonprofit people.
• Disruption can drive innovation and renewed strength.
• Urges nonprofits to leverage volunteers—so many talented, eager people want to help.
• Promotion of Charity Bridge Fund’s “Bridge Corps”—a new volunteer network reminiscent of AmeriCorps.

“We might burn out occasionally, but we have a fuel tank that can be refilled… We are tough and we are strong and we will get through this.” —Kendall Webb [28:11]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the changing role of donors:

  “We are saying, give now, give more… it’s going to cost less money for you to give now than to wait.” —Kendall Webb [12:49]

• On the urgency of narrative:

  “What would happen if you close your doors tomorrow? ... Be honest about this.” —Julia Campbell [19:29]

• On sector resilience:

  “I've worked in the private sector ... and I tell you, the people in the nonprofit sector are kick ass.” —Kendall Webb [28:04]

• On government and nonprofit relationship:

  “Our government… isn’t giving money out of generosity or goodwill to the nonprofit sector. It was a purposeful thing in the 1960s to say it’s more efficient and effective to get to local communities.” —Kendall Webb [22:17]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Kendall Webb’s background and beginnings in digital philanthropy — [03:10–07:01]
• Charity Bridge Fund origin and purpose — [07:01–10:42]
• Impact of nonprofit storytelling and donor education in the current crisis — [10:42–15:30]
• Estimations for the 2026 federal budget’s impact — [15:31–19:29]
• Strategies for nonprofit resilience and donor engagement — [23:40–27:26]
• Messages of hope, innovation, and call to collective action — [27:26–31:00]

Action Steps for Nonprofits (from Kendall Webb)

• Tell your story: Upload your defunding experience to Charity Bridge Fund to reach and educate major donors.
• Collaborate: Connect with peer organizations for shared learning and resources.
• Engage donors openly: Don’t be afraid to be honest about struggle and invite them into solutions.
• Leverage volunteer passion: Mobilize talented people who want to help, and offer them concrete ways to get involved.
• Join Bridge Corps: A new national, volunteer-powered network to support nonprofits and link donors with urgent need.

Learn More

• Charity Bridge Fund: charitybridgefund.org
  – Upload your nonprofit’s story, attend webinars/office hours, and connect with staff for support.
• Contact Kendall Webb: Via the Charity Bridge Fund website—she invites direct outreach from nonprofits seeking guidance or partnership.

By the end of this episode, listeners are reminded they are not alone in facing federal cuts—and that solidarity, transparency, and collective action can help the nonprofit sector weather the storm and emerge stronger. As Julia says, “A rising tide lifts all ships.”