Executive Action on Nonprofits: What's Coming (Special Post)
Here's how to prepare
Friends, my apologies for an unexpected splash into your inbox… but this is important: this is a moment of real urgency for the nonprofit sector.
The United States presidential administration is rumored to be preparing a series of Executive Orders (EOs) aimed squarely at nonprofits — expected as early as today, Tuesday, April 22.
These actions would be aiming to dramatically reshape what is considered charitable work, who receives federal funding, and how nonprofits are scrutinized by the federal government.
Here's what we know so far.
The EOs could:
➡️ Redefine climate-related work as non-charitable, thus threatening the 501(c)(3) status of orgs doing this work
➡️ Restrict international work, cutting off federal grants to U.S.-based nonprofits working overseas
➡️ Eliminate Public Service Loan Forgiveness for nonprofit employees
➡️ Direct federal agencies to investigate nonprofits receiving federal funds
➡️ Create a nonprofit “watchlist” for future government scrutiny
If signed, these actions could have sweeping implications for civil society, nonprofit operations, and our collective ability to serve communities with independence and integrity.
📣 How the Sector Is Responding 📣
National leaders are coordinating a rapid response, and your voice is needed:
➡️ Sign the National Letter of Opposition: Nonprofits across the country are standing united by signing this letter. Add your organization.
➡️ Rapid Response Webinar, Wednesday, April 23 @ 4:00 PM ET (link to come soon): Hosted by the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN), Public Citizen, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, and others
➡️ Legal & Policy Deep-Dive Webinar, Monday, April 28 @ 12:00pm MT/ 2:00pm ET: Hosted by NCN, Independent Sector, United Philanthropy Forum, and the Council on Foundations
➡️ National Day of Action, Tuesday, May 7 (Save the Date): If these executive actions are issued this week, we'll mobilize nationally for a visible day of advocacy.
📝 Resources to Help You Stay Grounded and Prepared 📝
➡️ Myth vs. Reality: Executive Authority & Nonprofits: Understand what Executive Orders can actually do—and what they can't.
➡️ Protect Your Tax-Exempt Status: More guidance is forthcoming. In the meantime, prepare your board and staff to document activities and review advocacy limits.
➡️ What to Do if Your Nonprofit’s Tax-Exempt Status is Revoked: If your tax exemption is ever challenged or revoked, consult immediately with legal counsel and national advocacy networks for support.
📌 What You Can Do Right Now 📌
Join next week's free event tailored to nonprofits and consultants:
➡️ How Nonprofits and Consultants Can Push Back Against Harmful Policies Wednesday, April 30 @ 9am–11am MT: Facilitated by Bethany Snyder. Practical guidance on navigating political threats and building nonprofit power.
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MANY THANKS to Lauren Andraski, Bethany Snyder, MPP, and Consultants for Good (C4G) for compiling these resources! 🙏🏻