List updated October 2 (newest on top). In this period of uncertainty regarding federal funding, here are some resources to help federal grantees with steps they can take to inform and protect themselves. We will provide an update on any federal funding news in eNews.
From Land Trust Alliance (October 2):
Congress did not reach an agreement on a continuing resolution, and the United States government has entered a shutdown. While it is unclear how long the shutdown will last and the full impact it will have on the federal programs that advance the work of land trusts, here is what we know as of today.
Program Impact: Programs with mandatory funding, including Farm Bill conservation programs, will be impacted by the shutdown. The shutdown plan for the Natural Resources Conservation Service states that activities will cease during shutdown, except for certain programs deemed necessary for the safety of human life and property.
Programs that will not continue to operate during the shutdown include the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, Regional Conservation Partnership Program, Environmental Incentives Program and many others. Staff who work on these programs are now furloughed. Per the shutdown plan, 96% of the NRCS workforce — nearly 9,000 staff — received furlough notices. The impacts on programs and staff are not limited to the NRCS, as nearly half of the USDA workforce was furloughed. The USDA shutdown plan is here.
The shutdown impacts are similar at other agencies with significant numbers of staff now furloughed and program implementation on hold. This includes 66% of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff and nearly 55% of U.S. Geological Survey staff. The DOI shutdown plan is here.
Resources linked to from Public Citizen (see webinar below):
Protect Democracy's Nonprofit Toolkit for organizations facing government investigations
Democracy Protection Network
ACLU’s Know Your Rights Materials
Americans Against Government Censorship Presentation
Public Citizen hosted a webinar on Sept. 29 for nonprofit leaders regarding a September 25th presidential memorandum which calls for government-wide investigations into non-profits, foundations, activists, and their donors and funders, based on broadly stated concerns about terrorism and conspiracies against rights. Sign up here to get the recording.
The Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law School and the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic want to support you in navigating federal funding or compliance issues by offering legal technical assistance and policy support. If your organization is having challenges related to shifting federal priorities, funding freezes, compliance with new or existing federal requirements, or related concerns, apply here to be considered for this program.
The National Council of Nonprofits has created a new one-pager you can use to understand how to prepare for and respond to a potential government shutdown. It also includes a checklist for nonprofits that receive federal grants.
AG Campbell launches webinar series to help nonprofits navigate federal policy and funding changes. View first webinar here (Aug. 26). View entire page of resources and schedule of upcoming webinars here (at bottom of page).
Massachusetts Nonprofit Network's Federal Roundtable / Updates page
One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA): What Non-profits Need to Know
Results of the Federal Impacts Survey of Massachusetts Nonprofits
State Department Reportedly Cutting 15% Of U.S. Staff, EPA Firing DEI Workers
Trump's Proposed Budget Could Decimate At Least 350 National Park Sites
Thousands of layoffs to hit Interior, National Parks imminently
Impact of Federal Funding Cuts on Massachusetts
AG Campbell Challenges Trump Administration’s Dismantling of AmeriCorps
USDA Funding Freeze Resources from Legal Food Hub
Mass Audubon Powers Through Headwinds to Address Climate Change & Biodiversity Challenges (State House News Service article titled "Q&A: SHNS Talks With Mass Audubon's David O'Neill")
Nonprofits Under Fire: How the IRS Can — and Cannot — Revoke Federal Tax-Exempt Status
Leading in Uncertain Times - Institute for Conservation Leadership
A Guide for Employers: What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace from the National Employment Law Project and National Immigration Law Center:
Prepare for Immigration Enforcement at Your Farm from Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development
Land Trust Alliance's resource webpage on the New Federal Landscape, covering categories such as nonprofits, federal funding, DEI, climate & conservation, and much more.
For Mass. environmental groups, federal funding is now 'a gamble' (WBUR News from Feb. 27, posted April 3)
Federal Impacts Survey: Add Your Voice Today (link to survey) Survey open through March 17. Conducted by the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, in partnership with The Boston Foundation and The MassINC Polling Group to gather feedback on how the new federal administration may be impacting non-profit organizations and the people they serve. All responses are anonymous and will be consolidated with those of other respondents for analysis. They will not be identified with you personally or your organization. Questions about the survey? Contact The MassINC Polling Group at info@massincpolling.com.
Should you remove "woke" keywords from your website? — Laura S. Quinn Consulting (Feb. 24)
Massachusetts Attorney General Campbell, in concert with other states' AGs, issues guidance for businesses on DEIA employment initiatives and immigration enforcement. (Feb. 13) Read more.
Let your senator know how the freeze is affecting your organization by filling out this form (from Senator Markey's office).
From the National Council of Nonprofits, a regularly updated list of executive orders with corresponding actions, as well as a form to share how cuts are affecting your organization.
Lawyers for Good Government is offering guidance to grantees and sub-awardees on defending their funds. They have also written a Guidance Brief on protecting your federal funding.
The Environmental Protection Network has templates to communicate with grant administrators (editable) to use if you have trouble drawing down your funds.