Sudden AmeriCorps funding cuts have disrupted staffing, programming, and long-standing partnerships at nature centers across the US. Earlier this month, ANCA hosted an emergency virtual ANCA CONNECTS program for ANCA members to share immediate impacts and exchange strategies through this challenge. Our takeaways from this program: ⚙ AmeriCorps cuts are disrupting operations at nature centers nationwide If your organization is impacted, you are not alone! 📊 Impacts of the cuts vary widely The specific circumstances of your organization are likely unique, depending on your region, number of AmeriCorps members, and your AmeriCorps partners. 📢 Now is the time to advocate for AmeriCorps, emphasizing the nonpartisan, long-term value AmeriCorps has a strong return on investment and plays an important role in developing professional workforces across many industries. 📞 Communicating the cuts’ impacts helps build understanding and mobilize support ANCA members have written press releases, engaged with the media, and shared statements on blogs and social media. 💰 Nonprofits are fundraising to try to cover costs In response to the disruption, nonprofit ANCA members have launched emergency fundraising efforts to fill staffing gaps and retain services. At least a few organizations have seen high levels of donor engagement in response to the AmeriCorps funding cuts. ❓ Long-term impacts remain uncertain While immediate fundraising efforts have been successful for some organizations, questions remain about how these organizations can still sustain the impact that AmeriCorps programs have enabled. 🌥 Opportunities may arise from the crisis While the AmeriCorps cuts have created real challenges, some ANCA members are beginning to ask: is there a silver lining? This moment may offer an opportunity to build more stable, long-term solutions, such as part-time staff positions or locally rooted volunteer programs, that can strengthen organizational capacity and deepen community engagement. — For additional analysis and resources, see our full article about these takeaways — link in comments below. (fb)

We’ve published the Spring 2025 issue of Directions, the ANCA journal. Made for professionals at nature centers, outdoor schools, and related organizations, Directions explores our field’s trends and best practices. This new issue features articles about: ⭐ Being a leader in uncertain times 📃 Updates on ANCA operations 🌳 Building a climate-resilient future 💡 Empowering constituents to make systemic change ☀️ Producing renewable energy onsite See the issue here: https://natctr.org/news/directions/directions-spring-2025 Content and contributions come from North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier, Vermont; Beaver Creek Reserve in Fall Creek, Wisconsin; the Environmental Nature Center - ENC in Newport Beach, California; Cincinnati Nature Center in Milford, Ohio; and Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center in Sandstone, Minnesota. 📸 Cover photo: The ENC Nature Preschool at the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach, California. (fb)