Turning Cuts into Catalysts: Nonprofit Advocacy in 2025

AFP-MN Chapter

Join AFP-MN on Sept. 30 for a panel on federal grant cuts, their impact, and how nonprofits can respond.

Greater Twin Cities United Way

Join the AFP-MN Public Policy Committee on Tuesday, September 30th for a timely discussion on the impact of recent federal grant funding cuts and what they mean for Minnesota’s nonprofit sector. An expert panel will share insights on navigating this challenging funding environment, building strong relationships with elected officials, and advocating effectively for your organization. Learn practical strategies to address financial insecurity, protect essential services, and ensure your mission continues to thrive despite shifting federal priorities.

Moderator:

Jon Severson, Director of Strategic Partnerships &amp; Government Relations at the Science Museum of Minnesota Jon Severson, MBA, currently serves as Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships &amp; Government Relations for the Science Museum of Minnesota. He leads the museum’s Institutional Giving team and is responsible for advancement strategy and relationship management for the museum’s top corporate, foundation and government funding partners.Prior to joining the Science Museum, Jon worked with Greater Twin Cities United Way and The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, where he served two terms on the Board of the Minnesota Association of Museums.Jon is a graduate of St. Olaf College and received his MBA from The University of St. Thomas with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. When he isn’t biking, skiing or golfing, Jon serves on the Board and Public Policy Committee of AFP-MN. Jon’s other volunteer commitments include serving on the Advocacy, Case-making and Engagement (ACE) Committee for the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), the Public Policy Cabinet of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and the Strategic Advisory Board for Phoenix Services Corporation.

Amy Johnson Korba, Managing Outreach Director, U.S. Senator Tina SmithAmy Johnson Korba serves as US Senator Tina Smith’s Managing Outreach Director, working out of the Saint Paul office. Prior to this leadership role, she served as the Senator’s Outreach Director for Education and Business. Amy has degrees from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School and the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. She is a former middle and high school social studies teacher.Amy lives with her husband, three kids and grumpy dog in the north metro. In her spare time she enjoys camping, reading, knitting, and catching as many live theater productions as possible.

Jeremy Wells, Sr. Vice President of Philanthropic Services, The Saint Paul &amp; Minnesota FoundationJeremy R. Wells currently serves as senior vice president of Philanthropic Services at the Saint Paul &amp; Minnesota Foundation, Minnesota’s largest community foundation. In this role, Jeremy serves as the chief fundraising and donor stewardship strategist. He also staffs the Foundation’s board development and governance committees. Jeremy has spent his entire career working in philanthropy. Prior to his work at the Foundation, he served as the chief development officer at both Augsburg University and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. He holds both a master’s degree in philanthropy &amp; development and his CFRE certification. Jeremy is an adjunct faculty member at the University of St. Thomas and is a frequently requested speaker and author on a variety of philanthropic topics, including development planning, public policy, donor engagement, stewardship, ethics and charitable gift planning. In addition to his work, Jeremy serves on numerous local, regional and national boards. He was selected as a 40 Under 40 recipient by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal in 2018 and received the Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award from AFP Global in 2025.

Bethany Snyder, MPP, Advocacy Strategist. Enthusiast. Optimist, Snyder StrategiesBethany Snyder is the founder of Snyder Strategies, where she empowers nonprofi ts and social justice organizations to build bold advocacy programs that drive policy change. With nearly 25 years of experience in communications, advocacy, and public aff airs, Bethany helps organizations amplify their voices, engage their communities, and infl uence policies that matter most.As the Director of the Iowa Nonprofi t Alliance, Bethany champions Iowa’s 23,000 nonprofi t organizations. She also leads Central Iowa Rainbow Families, chairs the board of One Iowa Action, serves on the Urbandale Civil Rights Commission, and sits on the board of Family Equality.Bethany’s long career spans work with U.S. Senator Al Franken, Community Solutions, MNSure, and numerous nonprofi ts, where she has led communications, advocacy, and outreach initiatives with impact. She holds a BA from the University of Iowa and an MPP from the University of Minnesota.A proud Midwesterner, Bethany is a passionate advocate, dedicated volunteer, and fi erce optimist working toward a more equitable future.