Government Affairs Digest: What Nonprofits Need to Know (Part 14)
April 30, 2025 - This content will be updated as developments unfold.
Latest Developments:
April 25: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) ordered the federal AmeriCorps agency to cut $400 million in funding.
Read: DOGE orders major cut to AmeriCorps funding, imperiling agency’s work
ASC Statement on the Termination of AmeriCorps Grants (America’s Service Commissions)
April 23: President Trump signed seven executive orders targeting education reform, ranging from university accreditation to a heightened focus on artificial intelligence education.
Read: Trump signs executive orders on school discipline, education reform
Breaking News: Federal Arts Update 4/23/2025 (Arts ActionFund)
April 22: On April 22, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued over 360 notices of termination of federal grant awards that funded everything from mental healthcare for police officers to support programs for victims of crime and sexual assault.
Read: US cancels hundreds of grants for police, crime victims, Justice Dept documents show - Reuters
Statement: National CASA/GAL federal funding terminated (The National CASA/GAL Association)
Some Good News:
Mellon Foundation Announces $15 Million for Humanities Councils
“The $15 million from the Mellon Foundation will offset only a portion of the $65 million the state councils were set to receive this year from the humanities endowment, as appropriated by Congress. But Elizabeth Alexander, the foundation’s president, said it would help preserve humanities programs, particularly in rural states without a robust base of private philanthropy.”
Penguin Random House dropped a 'book ban' clothing line; 100% of profits will help libraries
Kerry Washington shines in design by Christopher John Rogers at Atlanta Film Festival
Government Affairs Task Force Reflections on the First 100 Days:
Laura Moody, Founding Partner, Marketing + Business Development
"Leading the production of this weekly Digest has offered valuable perspectives. On the positive side, it sharpened my focus on taking action amidst widespread uncertainty. On the other hand, it has also brought a heightened awareness to the challenges nonprofits and our nation face. Moving forward, I sincerely hope that our community of engaged practitioners continues to see Purpose Possible as an ally, and I encourage the ongoing sharing of both challenges and triumphs, strengthening our collective impact.”
P.S. The schedule of our Digest is shifting to once per month (the 3rd Thursday of each month) unless a significant piece of news or call to action occurs.
Laura Hennighausen,
Director of Strategic Philanthropy
“We are once again in unprecedented times. Cuts to federal programs and shifts in priorities made it clear how quickly things can change, and how important nonprofits are in stepping up when government support pulls back. But it also became obvious that many people don’t really understand how nonprofits work or why they matter. There’s a real need to better educate the public about the role nonprofit organizations play in our communities. The more people understand, the better we can push back against misinformation and keep the sector strong.”
Mindy Schweitzer-Rawls,
Director of Fundraising Services
“Just days into the new administration taking office, the entire Purpose Possible leadership team found ourselves on an emergency call trying to decipher what the White House’s freeze on federal grants and loans meant for our nonprofit clients, and so many others impacted. Knowing we had a long and likely confusing road ahead, the amount of resources we devoted that day would not be sustainable, yet we needed to remain informed and action-oriented to support our consultants, clients, and the communities we care about. The weekly Government Affairs Weekly Digest served as an outlet for me to process and channel feelings of fear, anger, and sadness (amongst many other percolating emotions) alongside my colleagues into what has become a dependable resource, and most importantly, a unifier during these uncertain times.”
Hayden Brooks, Director of Operations
“Over the last 100 days we have experienced uncertainty and chaos in the non-profit community, across our country, and beyond. Our industry is used to dealing with uncertainty - and it makes us uniquely prepared in some ways to deal with the challenges before us. Many of the questions that nonprofits face today - including how to help the most folks with the resources that are available - are ones that nonprofits have been answering for decades. I hope that the unpredictability of the coming days teaches us new ways to show our power, whether it's through increased advocacy and activism with our elected officials or through innovative opportunities to create coalitions with stronger voices. I have no doubt that the nonprofit community will continue to be an unparalleled source of guidance for many people who may feel a bit hopeless right now.”
Reading:
White House says it’s not targeting green groups’ tax status (POLITICO)
Trump Threats to Tax-Exempt Status: Can the Rhetoric Become Reality? (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Trump Doesn’t Need An Executive Order to Kill Progressive Nonprofits (The Intercept)
The 100 Days That Shook Nonprofits (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Federal cuts gut food banks as they face record demand (ABC News)
Actions:
Impact of Recent Executive Orders and Federal Policy Changes: A National Pulse Survey of Arts and Culture Organizations and Creative Businesses - Arts and culture nonprofits are encouraged to complete this survey from Americans for the Arts
Resources:
Webinar: Understanding Attacks on Nonprofits: What to Know and How to Prepare, May 1, 2pm EST, presented by Raben
Purpose Possible Webinar Recording: The First 100 Days & Beyond (held 4/30/25)
