Executive Orders and Their Impact
Since the change in administration on January 20, 2025, there have been an incredible number of executive orders issued. The sheer number has created confusion, loss of substantial funding, and many legal challenges. While private philanthropy cannot fill all the needs arising at this moment, it is important to remember how much power is held within this sector beyond the dollar. This page hopes to provide information and resources to understand these executive orders and their impacts and help us find ways to act.
We recommend reading the actual Executive Orders themselves. Reading the orders can help determine what they actually say versus the narratives created by the media and others. You can find all of them here. The National Council has also created a helpful Executive Order Tracker and Just Security’s litigation tracker that tracks legal action against the orders.
Advocacy
It’s important to participate in advocacy as much as you can in the ways you can. Maine Women’s Lobby has a great set of guides on actions like contacting your legislators, testifying on a bill, and lobbying.
Resources for Funders
Sign the commitment to move in solidarity with nonprofits, mobilize money, and nurture possibility. To find out more about what this means, visit TBP’s website.
For more information on race-explicit grantmaking and how to uphold it, take a look at this amazing set of resources through ABFE.
United Philanthropy Forum has a page of resources and suggested actions.
Resources for Nonprofits
On Friday, February 7th, National Council of Nonprofits hosted a national webinar about the executive orders most impacting charitable nonprofits, and the latest on legal challenges. You can now watch the recording and review slides.
Experiencing a pause in your federal grant or contract payments? Reach out your representative and senators.
List of Emergency Funds
- The Boston Foundation’s Safety Net Grants
- Borealis Philanthropy’s SAFE initiative (link to come)
- The Rapid Response Fund for international aid from Founders Pledge and the Life You Can Save
- Four Freedoms Fund’s Immigration Frontlines Fund
- The Foreign Aid Bridge Fund from Unlock Aid, along with #HalfMyDAF 2025, Smarter Good, and other partners
- GlobalGiving’s Community Aid Fund
- Global Philanthropy Project’s Fund Our Futures Campaign
- The Haymarket Foundation Rapid Response Fund
- Elmina B Sewall Foundation’s Rapid Response Fund
Additional Resources for Accessing Legal Counsel
Share your stories
If you have been impacted by these executive orders, consider sharing your story here.