Advocacy in Action: 2,500 Voices Rise for Nonprofit Funding

Kassidy Brown
Jun 2
2 min read

On May 20, 2025, more than 2,500 people from across Connecticut gathered at the Capitol to raise their voices in a powerful show of unity and urgency at the Rally for Nonprofit Funding. Among them were individuals supported by services, their families, nonprofit staff, advocates, and legislators — all demanding what should have been prioritized long ago: fair and sustainable funding for the essential work we do.

At The Light House, we were proud to stand alongside our colleagues and friends in the nonprofit sector. We thank The Alliance: The Voice of Community Nonprofits for organizing this incredible event and for providing visuals that captured the energy and purpose of the day (see photos below). And we thank all who came — those who marched, who spoke, who listened, and who showed that advocacy works.

Why This Matters

Connecticut’s state budget has long failed to keep pace with the real costs of delivering care and support to those who need it most. For decades, nonprofits have been asked to do more with less — to stretch limited funding across expanding needs — often absorbing cuts and cost increases without any inflationary relief. This includes woefully low Medicaid reimbursement rates, which in Connecticut fall below the national average despite being one of the wealthiest states in the country.

The passage of SB 1358, which mandates annual inflationary increases for nonprofit reimbursement rates, represents a critical first step. But as lawmakers and Governor Lamont negotiate the state budget in these final weeks before the session ends on June 4, it is vital that this momentum translates into meaningful, ongoing financial investment in the nonprofit sector.

The Light House’s Approach

At The Light House, we know the weight of this underfunding all too well. Like many nonprofits, we’ve made tough, deliberate choices to weather these challenges. We’ve kept a lean administrative structure, avoided unnecessary spending, and invested in long-term solutions to reduce overhead — including strategic building acquisitions that have allowed us to stabilize occupancy costs over time.

These efforts have been made with one goal in mind: to protect and prioritize our participants and our direct support workforce — the people who provide the day-to-day care and employment support that empower adults with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their communities.

But we cannot do this alone. We need state funding that reflects the true cost of quality care. We need partnership, not just praise. And above all, we need sustained action — not just for The Light House, but for every organization that serves as a critical lifeline in our community.

Advocacy Works — But It’s Not Over

This rally proved that advocacy makes a difference. It also reminded us that we are part of a larger movement — one that spans all sectors of community nonprofit work. The solidarity on the Capitol steps was real, and it must now translate into action inside the legislative chambers.

To all who came, who spoke, who stood in support: thank you. Your voice matters. Your presence matters. And your advocacy is making a difference.

With gratitude,