The Trump Administration has issued numerous executive orders (EOs) covering a broad range of issues, some of which impact nonprofits. Executive orders signed by the President provide guidance and directives to federal agencies on their operations and policies and carry the force of law. Once signed, they remain in effect unless they expire, are revoked, or are nullified in court. Only a sitting President can rescind executive orders issued by a previous administration. However, executive orders are not legislation; while Congress can pass laws that support or limit their effects, it cannot overturn them.

In a rapidly changing environment, misinformation is a concern. We are a nonpartisan organization committed to providing reliable, up-to-date information from trusted sources. We encourage you to review this information, consider its implications for your work, and use it as needed in your decision-making.

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News:

Federal Judge Granted Motion for Nationwide Preliminary Injunction

April 14, 2025

A Rhode Island federal judge presiding over a case brought by the National Council of Nonprofits, Democracy Forward, and other nonprofits has granted a motion for a nationwide preliminary injunction preventing the Trump administration from freezing, halting, or broadly pausing payments for funding awarded under the Inflation Reduction Act or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Read the decision here. Read an AP report here.

Suit Filed to Restore Critical Infrastructure and Investment Funds

March 13, 2025

Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, National Council of Nonprofits, Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District and Green Infrastructure Center filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s unlawful freeze on funding from the congressionally-approved Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), known also as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—critical investments that help communities combat climate change, improve infrastructure, and protect public health. Read more more.

Judge Blocks Funding Freeze

March 6, 2025

A federal judge extended an order that prevented the Trump administration from freezing billions in congressionally approved funds to 22 states and the District of Columbia. The judge found that the administration had overstepped in trying to stop the agencies from using money appropriated by Congress.

Judge Grants Preliminary Injunction

February 25, 2025

U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a preliminary injunction of the OMB’s freeze on federal grant disbursements that has put essential services across the nation in jeopardy, in response to a suit filed by Democracy Forward on behalf of the National Council of Nonprofits, the American Public Health Association, Main Street Alliance, and SAGE.  The ruling states that OMB is prohibited from implementing, giving effect to, or reinstating under a different name the unilateral freeze of all new federal spending, attempted under OMB’s funding freeze directive. OMB must instruct all federal agencies of the preliminary injunction.

Judge Blocks DEI Orders

February 21, 2025

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking two executive orders (EOs) (EO 14151, and EO 14173) attempting to terminate or change federal grants and contracts for programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The judge ruled that the policies and term “diversity, equity, and inclusion” as used in the EOs were potentially vague, discriminating, and unconstitutional by penalizing private organizations, including charitable nonprofits. However, agencies are permitted to proceed with reviewing various programs related to these EOs and to issue any reports as required under the EOs. The ruling applies nationwide.

White House Memorandum

February 7, 2025

The Administration released a Memorandum today for the heads of executive departments and agencies, with the subject line "Advancing United States Interests When Funding Nongovernmental Organizations."  The memo directs heads of executive departments and agencies to review all funding that agencies provide to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Read the memo here.

Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order on OMB Freeze

February 3, 2025

Yesterday, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a Temporary Restraining Order of the OMB’s freeze on federal grant disbursements that has put essential services across the nation in jeopardy, in response to a suit filed by Democracy Forward on behalf of the National Council of Nonprofits, the American Public Health Association, Main Street Alliance, and SAGE.OMB is ENJOINED from implementing, giving effect to, or reinstating under a different name the directive to halt federal spending broadly.  OMB must provide notice to all federal agencies, and instruct all such agencies to release any funding that was paused under the directive. The next step Democracy Forward is working on is a Motion for Preliminary Injunction Order, which is due February 11th. 

OMB Memorandum is Rescinded

January 29, 2025, 10:45 AM (Mountain)

The Office of Management and Budget announced that OMB Memorandum M25-13 is rescinded. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
 

OMB Pause on Federal Grants/Loans/Assistance

January 28, 2025, 3:15 PM (Mountain)

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memorandum last night announcing a temporary pause on federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs.

BREAKING NEWs: Federal Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration freeze on federal grants and loans

The original announcement raised significant questions about the scope of the review and its immediate and long-term impacts. According to the memo:

“To implement these orders, each agency must complete a comprehensive analysis of all of their Federal financial assistance programs to identify programs, projects, and activities that may be implicated by any of the President’s executive orders.”

Earlier today, we were provided with a separate document that includes instructions for federal agencies and a list of programs subject to this pause during the review process.

The White House held a briefing today, during which questions were asked about the announcement. In addition, OMB issued additional guidance. However, confusion remains on the specific scope of the review.

We are actively working with our partners at the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) and state association colleagues nationwide to better understand and respond to this development. We are also communicating with our state leaders and federal delegation.

The National Council of Nonprofits and public health and small business leaders have filed a Temporary Restraining Order in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to block this action. More information here: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/pressreleases/nonprofits-public-health-leaders-small-businesses-file-suit-block-omb-attempt-halt

As noted above, Federal Judge temporarily blocks Trump administration freeze on federal grants and loans

We will keep you updated as we learn more about the rollout of this order and its impact on organizations and communities. We are careful to share what we know so as not to add further confusion and uncertainty to an already uncertain circumstance.

The Office of Management and Budget announced that OMB Memorandum M25-13 is rescinded: https://www.cfo.gov/assets/files/M-25-14%20Final.pdf.

Our team at the Wyoming Nonprofit Network is committed to advocating for Wyoming's nonprofit sector as part of our mission. We’re working hard with our friends at the National Council of Nonprofits and other partners to clarify these developments and provide timely updates.