We are sharing an update on the recent actions of the presidential administration around federal funding grants and challenges to efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

Late last week, President Trump issued a new memo directing executive departments and agencies to:

• Review all agencies that provide funding to non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Align the agencies’ future funding decisions with the interests of the U.S. and the goals and priorities of the administration. 

Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice issued directives to:

• Begin civil and criminal investigations of NGOs and other private companies engaged in what is being called “illegal” DEI work. 
• End funding to sanctuary cities and pause grants to nonprofits “that support or provide services to removable or illegal aliens.”

This comes after the presidential administration’s recent Executive Order (EO) to withhold federal funding while they review and challenge DEI efforts.

On January 28, the National Council of Nonprofits, American Public Health Association, Main Street Alliance and SAGE filed for a temporary restraining order to stop the EO from going into effect.

In a hearing last week, a D.C. judge issued a temporary restraining order extending a previous administrative stay on the attempted freeze. The ruling makes clear that the presidential administration must continue to process funding payments on any and all open awards to nonprofit organizations receiving federal funding. 

From Our CMF Community

Angelique Power, president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation shared how the foundation is responding to the current moment. 

If you have shared any updates or a statement in response to the recent actions of the presidential administration, we invite you to connect with our team. 

Latest Developments

The United Philanthropy Forum created an online resource hub that shares links to recent executive actions, suggested actions for the field and a national overview of advocacy efforts by sector partners.

The National Council of Nonprofits is sharing updates via its tracking document Executive Orders Affecting Charitable Nonprofits. 

You can track the latest presidential actions and executive orders by the administration via the White House website.

Toolkits For You

Fund the People has developed a Strong Nonprofits, Strong Democracy Toolkit. 

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is sharing key resources, blogs and fact sheets around protecting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

Democracy 2025 has created a response center offering real-time analysis of the federal administration to support legal challenges and provide resources. 

Events & Actions

Join your fellow Michigan philanthropy communicators this afternoon to discuss the recent executive orders by the administration. There is no presentation; this is an open space for you to ask questions about how your colleagues are navigating this fluid policy environment in their communication strategies. Register Here.

Grantmakers in Health is curating an ongoing list of virtual philanthropy convenings focused on navigating the new administration. 

The National Council of Nonprofits created a sign-on letter to ensure our policymakers understand the importance and impact of our sector. CMF has signed on to this letter. 

CMF is collecting stories via this form about how recent disruptions and actions have impacted your organization, partners and/or community. We invite you to share any insights that might help inform policymaker conversations, programming and resource development.

The National Council of Nonprofits is also collecting stories of observed impacts on the work of nonprofits and they communities they serve.  

We will continue tracking any developments and alert you to new resources and supports available as we navigate the policy landscape.

If you have questions or need any support, please contact our team.