The political winds are shifting—and with them, the financial, legal, and reputational terrain for educational institutions and foundations.
In our recent Prime Buchholz webinar, Pressure Points: Protecting Purpose in Polarized Times, panelists tackled head-on the growing risks institutions face in today’s politicized climate. Against the backdrop of President Trump’s executive actions and the sweeping changes introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, our expert speakers delivered a powerful discussion on how endowments, foundations, and mission-driven organizations can prepare for volatility while staying rooted in purpose.
What emerged was a clear throughline: resilience starts with proactive strategy. That means building flexibility into investment policies, strengthening governance practices, and forging coalitions that transcend ideology. Most importantly, it means reaffirming your institution’s mission not just in values—but in actions, allocations, and advocacy.
👥 Meet the Panel
The conversation brought together a distinguished panel of voices from the fields of law, philanthropy, education, communications, and institutional consulting:
- Frederick Lawrence, Distinguished Lecturer at Georgetown Law and Secretary & CEO of The Phi Beta Kappa Society, offered a perspective grounded in higher education leadership.
- Gisele Shorter, President of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, reflected on the values and pressures shaping philanthropic institutions today.
- Emily Agnew, Principal/Head of ODD at Prime Buchholz, served as moderator.
- Chris Hayes, President of Capitol Asset Strategies, provided legal and political context on emerging risks.
- Ashley Burns Nascimento, CEO at Well Positioned, brought expertise in crisis communications and strategic positioning.
⚖️ Politics, Policy, and the Funding Squeeze
The webinar opened with a sobering look at the impact of recent and proposed federal policies—some of which have already reshaped how educational institutions receive and retain funding. Panelists noted that even Congressionally approved funds are not safe from political interference: legal challenges, executive overreach, and government shutdowns can—and increasingly do—derail expected support.
Taxation of university endowments, once viewed as symbolic, is now an operational threat. With new multi-tiered tax structures in place, many institutions are reassessing not just spending rates but entire financial models.
🧠 Strategy Beyond Survival: Risk, Reputation, and Resilience
But the conversation didn’t dwell on what’s broken. Instead, it pushed forward into solutions.
Speakers advocated for comprehensive, scenario-based risk planning that accounts for market, legal, political, and reputational threats. Boards and investment committees were urged to pressure-test their assumptions and align spending policies with both risk tolerance and long-term mission commitments.
Panelists emphasized that sound governance requires looking beyond internal consensus—engaging with diverse perspectives, tracking policy developments closely, and avoiding the trap of institutional insularity.
🧩 Advocacy and Alignment: More Than Messaging
Institutions that align their messaging, plan ahead, and develop a coalition of allies are better equipped to adapt to new challenges. That means ensuring communications that are not only data-informed but emotionally resonant. The ability to articulate value, build broad coalitions, and show accountability can be critical in protecting autonomy and legitimacy.
In moments of reputational or financial stress, stakeholders—especially alumni and donors—can be decisive allies. Their advocacy, participation, and even financial flexibility can bolster institutions navigating contested ground.
Looking Ahead
Institutions don’t have the luxury of passivity in today’s environment. The rules are changing, often without warning—and the stakes are high. But with strategic foresight, clear values, and intentional planning, educational and philanthropic organizations can not only withstand volatility, but lead through it.
Access to exclusive events like this one is part of the ongoing strategic support we provide to Prime Buchholz clients. Our webinars are designed to equip institutional leaders with timely insights, expert perspectives, and actionable strategies to navigate complexity with confidence. For a deeper conversation about any of the strategies discussed in the webinar—or to explore how Prime Buchholz can support your institution’s planning—don’t hesitate to reach out.