Impact of Funding Changes on YWCA Spokane

June 23, 2025

Earlier this spring, I promised to update you as we learned more about how recent funding changes would affect YWCA Spokane’s work. Today, I want to share where we stand and how we are moving forward, together.

Domestic violence remains one of Spokane’s most urgent public health crises. YWCA Spokane continues to be the primary source of safety, shelter, and support for individuals and families impacted by intimate partner violence.

Because people count on us, our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all remains steadfast. That commitment has not changed, and it never will.

However, like many nonprofits across the country, we are adapting to a shifting funding landscape. This year, we are experiencing a $500,000 reduction in public funding at the county, state, and federal levels.

In response, we’ve made the difficult decision to reduce staffing in some areas and to draw upon our limited reserves to maintain essential services. These choices were not made lightly, but with long-term sustainability and impact in mind.

We have also sharpened our focus on core programs—those where the need is greatest and our impact is strongest. Because of these efforts, our most critical services remain fully operational:

• Our 24/7 helpline continues to answer over 4,000 calls annually.
• Our shelter remains a safe haven for women and children fleeing violence.
• Our advocates are helping survivors plan for safety, access legal protections, and secure housing.
• Our free preschool continues to prepare children and families for long-term success.

We are stable for now, thanks in part to careful planning and the incredible support of our community. However, additional reductions in state and federal funding remain a possibility, and we may need to call upon you and our broader community for help later this year to protect key programs. 

In the months ahead, we will continue to share updates about our evolving programs and what we need to keep this work going strong. As always, your continued commitment to supporting this work makes all the difference.

If you have questions or would like to talk with us further about how to support this work, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Philanthropy Team at 509-789-9305 or philanthropy@ywcaspokane.org.

We are deeply grateful for your continued partnership. With you beside us, we will not only endure—we will evolve, grow, and lead.

With Gratitude,

Jeanette Hauck
Chief Executive Officer
YWCA Spokane