Falling Through the Cracks

For the full version of this article, written by TE CEO Kaitlin Louise Pettit, PhD, check out our free Substack post.

At Toilet Equity, we’re used to dealing with what falls through the cracks. We give people a place to poop—it’s basically our superpower. Unfortunately, our funding sometimes does the same thing.

This year, I dreamed of doubling our toilet footprint in the Grand Valley. Instead, our plans had to shrink to match our budget, leaving hundreds of neighbors—unsheltered folks, gig workers, delivery drivers, and families—without a safe spot to go. That’s thousands of poops every year ending up in alleyways, parks, and waterways.

Why the struggle? Our off-grid compost toilets don’t fit neatly into any grant box. Sanitation grants pay utility bills, but our toilets don’t plug into the sewer. Housing grants ask how many people we house—we don’t collect that info to protect privacy. And “basic needs” grants? Most funders are only thinking food, water, and shelter, leaving toilet access… well, in the cracks.

Why are there cracks in the granting landscape?

We’ve tried everything to squeeze in, but some funding just flushes past us. Federal grant cuts, increased competition, and changes to large-donor tax incentives have made things tighter than a well-packed compost bin. When big grants dry up, small nonprofits like ours are left holding the plunger.

Here’s the good news: small donors like you are now the real superheroes. Recent tax changes let you deduct up to $1,000 (single) or $2,000 (joint) in donations—even without itemizing. Think of it as finding an extra roll of toilet paper when you need it most.

Monthly donors? Absolute MVPs. Your steady support lets us plan ahead, stock supplies, and keep toilets functional. One $25 monthly donation buys cleaning products for a toilet for a whole month, keeping everything safe, clean, and dignified for 200+ users. Monthly donors are the plunger, the roll of TP, and the compost that keeps everything flowing smoothly.

Nonprofits nationwide are feeling the squeeze: fewer grants, tighter budgets, higher demand. Your giving is more powerful than ever. This November, as we give thanks for food, family, and yes, toilets, please “spare a square” for the causes you love. Even if you can’t donate, you can share the love—tell a friend, volunteer, or create a fundraiser for your favorite nonprofit.

How can I make a difference?

Here at Toilet Equity, we may fall through the cracks on paper, but thanks to you, we’re still standing—one compost pile at a time. Your support keeps dignity flowing, one flush at a time.

Want to dive into the nitty gritty of toilet funding and learn more about why your support is so crucial, this year in particular? Check out the full blog post for free on our Substack or become a paid subscriber or monthly donor for early access each month!

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This article originally appeared in our November 2025 email newsletter. You can subscribe to receive future updates here.