The CEP Roundup - February 13, 2025

Editor's Note: This edition of The CEP Roundup is focused on offering resources for funders on navigating the challenging and rapidly shifting environment created by the policies of the new Trump administration. We acknowledge that this offering is non-exhaustive, and encourage you to share, in the comments or via reposting, the resources, guidance, words of wisdom, or perspectives that you are finding most helpful right now.

Start Here

First, if you feel (understandably) overwhelmed by the multitude of actions, Executive Orders (EOs), and statements - and their implications for nonprofits and philanthropy - begin with:

• This helpful overview from National Council of Nonprofits as well as their frequently-updated chart tracking EOs and their impacts.
• United Philanthropy Forum 's summary of recent executive statements and suggested actions for PSOs (applicable to funders, too).

On Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

There are a number of EOs and statements that directly attack DEI programs within both the federal government and any institution that receives federal funding. Here are a few resources and informed perspectives on the issue:

• A helpful summary of the EOs aiming to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives can be found here, courtesy of UPF.
• While these attacks on DEI face legal challenges from suits filed by NCN among others, some organizations that receive federal funding as well as numerous corporations have retrenched on DEI programs.
• Some funders have notably issued statements defending and standing by DEI policies, including RWJF 's Rich Besser (see here), Archstone Foundation (see here), Angelique Power of the The Skillman Foundation (see here), and others.
• "Now is the time for leaders to explain what their DEI programs are all about instead of conceding ground on programs that are morally right, lead to stronger performance, and are fully lawful," wrote CEP's Phil Buchanan on the CEP blog.

On Federal Funding

While the Trump administrations initial "funding freeze" issued on Jan. 27 has since been lifted, a memorandum issued by the White House on Feb. 6 stated, "[i]t is the policy of [the Trump] Administration to stop funding NGOs that undermine the national interest." On what it means and how funders can respond:

• First, helpful data from Candid and Urban Institute paint a picture of how reliant nonprofits are on government grants.
• NCN CEO Diane Yentel 's statement in response, issued shortly after the release of the White House memo reads, "Let's be clear: the security, prosperity, and safety of the American people that the Memorandum expresses concern about are?enhanced?by the work of nonprofits and NGOs."
• Phil Buchanan offers four questions for funders to ask themselves to guide their response and support nonprofits in his latest on the CEP blog, "How Funders Can Respond to an Unprecedented Threat to Nonprofits."

On Dismantling U.S.A.I.D.

Causing massive upheaval for organizations, communities, and individuals on a global scale, one of the most far-reaching actions of the administration thus far has been the dismantling of USAID.

• Devex has covered "The Trump Effect" comprehensively since the inauguration. For a deeply-reported overview of the administrations rollback of U.S. aid, see here.
• What is philanthropy's role in responding to the situation? Nina Blackwell , Priya D. , and Sadaf S. offer their thoughts in Alliance magazine .
• Nick Kristof offers his take on the damage wrought by the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. both abroad and at home.

Additional Resources and Funder Actions and Statements

• Britt Lake and Melinda Tuan offer a reminder to funders that listening is a key way to "cut through the chaos" of the moment - and that it can be done quickly and help funders respond effectively to the needs of their partners.
• READI, or the Racial Equity Advancement and Defense Initiative, is a collaborative led by ABFE. A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities that offers resources, pro bono legal services, and more. Find out more here.
• Information on engaging in advocacy as a 501(c)3 and more from Alliance for Justice .
• A "legal to-do list for nonprofits to shore up their compliance and advocacy strategies" from Gene Takagi of Nonprofit Law Group, via Nonprofit Quarterly.