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We hope everyone’s blood pressure has returned to normal following a flurry of executive orders from the Trump Administration, culminating in an unsuccessful attempt to pause federal funding earlier this week. All political views aside, the flurry of activity made it clear that the nonprofit sector must be vigilant to understand the government system and how potential changes could impact their work more than ever. 

Through our network, we’ve sourced a resource list to provide reliable sources of information and guidance. We are advising organizations that rely either directly or via pass-through funding on federal dollars to diligently prepare for disruption. While this sweeping action was stopped, that does not prevent future-focused and targeted changes to federal funding. Politico has shared the full list of programs that were to be impacted by the federal funding freeze. Fair warning—it’s 50+ pages, and you’ll need to magnify it to 400%, but it’s also searchable. Causewriter.ai has also created a GPT where you can input your website or upload documents and learn how Project 2025 could potentially impact your organization. It’s slow but slick and largely untested. It may provide some guidance on where to start preparing. For those not willing to wager their organization’s future on an AI reading, we strongly recommend the following resources. 

Resources for Nonprofits in Response to Executive Orders

 

National Council of Nonprofits

This organization may already be at the top of your list, but we have to highlight their speedy response and thorough documentation of the executive orders and potential implications for nonprofits. Especially helpful has been their chart of executive orders. We recommend signing up for their newsletter.

 

Chronicle of Philanthropy

Like the National Council of Nonprofits, the Chronicle of Philanthropy has responded swiftly with solid guidance and detailed articles, including How Trump Could Target Nonprofits—and How to Protect Yours. Note that most CoP content is tied to a subscription. 

 

Independent Sector

A great place to start if you’re unsure how to advocate or where to get started. In addition, we recommend USA.gov directory of elected officials and the Common Cause Action Center as resources for finding your local and state representatives. 

 

Rural Organizing

This organization specializes in coordinating, educating, and deploying advocacy work on behalf of rural communities throughout the U.S. They’ve responded quickly to the recent executive orders so far with free guidance, including a Post Executive Order Toolbox

 

Disability Scoop

This organization curates news and resources for those with or caring for those with developmental disabilities. The site is updated daily, including articles on healthcare, Social Security, and areas of legislation.

Katie Appold, MPA

Katie’s nonprofit career includes a variety of leadership roles for human service, foundation, and publishing-related nonprofits, as well as many volunteer roles. Under Katie’s leadership, nonprofit organizations have developed new programs related to free healthcare, affordable and accessible housing, and literacy programs for K-12 students. In her first Executive Director role, Katie increased the annual revenue of the organization she led by 300% and received the top grant prize in the nation for affordable housing through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis. She went on to help establish Do More Good, a nonprofit educational platform that eventually merged with Nonprofit Hub, one of the largest free content sites for nonprofits in North America. Today, Katie serves as the contracted leader of Inform USA in addition to her work with Nonprofit Nav and as an adjunct professor of nonprofit leadership and fundraising for Cornerstone University. Her educational background includes an undergraduate degree in business administration and a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership. Katie serves on the boards of Gracious Grounds and the National 211 Steering Committee.