UPDATE: The memo on the pause of federal grants and loans has been rescinded. We are thankful for all the hard work of the organizations mentioned below. For more updates on the Executive Orders of this administration, please click here.
The Fate of Foreign Aid
Charities Reeling From USAID Freeze Warn of ‘Life Or Death’ Effects (Guardian)
Many Ukrainian Aid Groups Stop Work After Trump’s Halt on Foreign Assistance (New York Times)
A U.S. Shutdown on Foreign Aid Is Hitting From Africa to Asia to Ukraine. (Associated Press)
Amazon’s Advocates Fear Trump’s Return Means Little U.S. Help to Protect Rainforest (Associated Press)
Background from the Chronicle: As Calls to Cut Foreign Aid Mount, Philanthropy Must Accelerate Support for Grassroots Groups
On January 28, 2025, the Trump administration announced a pause on federal grants and loans, affecting various programs, including those supporting nonprofits. In response, the National Council of Nonprofits, among others, filed a lawsuit challenging this action. A federal judge subsequently issued a temporary restraining order to halt the administration's pause, allowing the continued distribution of federal assistance.
The National Council of Nonprofits has been actively opposing this pause, emphasizing the potential harm to essential services provided by nonprofits. They have also been involved in legal actions to prevent the implementation of the funding freeze.
In addition to the National Council of Nonprofits, several organizations were involved in filing the lawsuit against the Trump administration's pause on federal funding:
American Public Health Association: A professional association advocating for public health.
Main Street Alliance: A network representing small business owners.
SAGE: An advocacy organization for LGBTQ+ elders.
These groups, represented by the legal nonprofit Democracy Forward, filed the lawsuit seeking an emergency order to block the administration's funding freeze.
Additionally, a coalition of Democratic state attorneys general announced plans to sue over the funding freeze, expressing concerns about its impact on various state programs.
These legal actions reflect widespread concern about the potential effects of the funding pause on essential services and programs across the country.
Cook Silverman Search is appalled by the actions of the current federal administration. We are grateful for the work of the National Council of Nonprofits and Democracy Forward for their efforts to thwart this egregious action. Please support any or all of these organizations as they fight for the rights of Americans, nationwide.