Past Federal Updates
Update March 26, 2025
Recently released Executive Orders will have major impacts on communities. Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities, is an EO signed on March 20th that shifts control of education policy away from the federal government to state and local authorities, effectively outlining steps that threaten to dismantle the US Department of Education. Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections is an EO signed on March 25th that overhauls US elections, including requirements to present documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court, a memo released on March 22nd, threatens the ability of lawyers to appropriately address legal issues that involve the federal government, especially those concerning homeland security, public safety, or election integrity. This is an outright attempt to silence and attack American lawyers that hold government officials accountable when the American people's rights are violated, setting a dangerous precedent for legal action going forward.
March 19, 2025
National Council of Nonprofits -
The Legal Landscape and Path Ahead for Nonprofits and Philanthropy (1:02:23) recording and slides.
March 11, 2025
President Trump issued an Executive Order on March 7, 2025, called "Restoring Public Service Loan Forgiveness" that limits eligibility for a program that provides student loan forgiveness to nonprofit and government employees after 10 years of payments. This attempts to change what kind of work is considered "public service." Read more here.
OpenSky Policy Institute has developed a new one pager outlining fast facts on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Nebraska. See more here.
February 26, 2025
A federal judge in DC granted a preliminary injunction that extends the pause on the federal funding freeze. See opinion here
February 24, 2025
Judge Blocks DEI Orders: On Friday, 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.
February 11, 2025
A federal judge in Rhode Island has ordered the Trump administration to comply with a temporary restraining order that requires the White House to unfreeze any federal funds. Read more here.
February 10, 2025
Since January 20, 2025, the White House has issued several executive orders (EOs) that may impact the compliance and operations of nonprofit organizations. At least two of the EOs directly address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and others address diversity-related issues more broadly.
The DEI landscape is shifting rapidly, and there are still many unknowns, including the scope of what is considered “DEI.” It is likely that some of these questions will be challenged in court and we may not have all the answers for a while.
In the meantime, it is important for nonprofit organizations to monitor these changes and, if needed, consult with an attorney for guidance. Read this guide for more information.
February 4, 2025
On Friday, January 31, a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) that temporarily halts the federal funding freeze, after Attorneys General from 22 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit challenging the executive action. The TRO will remain in effect until the Court rules on the Attorney Generals' underlying lawsuit. See the full text of the order here.
The House has passed on the Budget Resolution that was expected to see this week that would have included dollar amounts in the cut to essential services, Medicaid, and SNAP.
OpenSky Policy Institute has developed an infographic on federal funding in Nebraska. Learn more here.