Additional Threats to Nonprofit Sector: What We Know So Far and What You Can Do
Developing story: check back for additional information, links, and resources
New Executive Orders May Be Aimed at Nonprofits
Like many of you, MANP is hearing increased reports that President Trump may soon issue one or more executive orders that attempt to target nonprofit organizations.
While nothing specific has been announced, MANP has heard that the Executive Orders could include:
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Revoking the tax-exempt status of nonprofits working in certain areas, including climate justice, environmental conservationism, international relief activities, or broader based advocacy groups (along the lines of concerns related to H.R. 9495)
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Providing DOGE, the White House Department of Governmental Efficiency, greater access to government-funded nonprofits;
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Ending the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program; among others.
MANP is in close partnership with the National Council of Nonprofits and our state association colleagues to provide you with the latest information and resources to prepare for possible challenges to our sector nationwide.
While such actions are deeply concerning, it’s important to remember that “neither the president, the Justice Department, the Treasury Department, nor the IRS have the ability to revoke the federal tax-exempt status of any entity through executive order or with the mere stroke of a pen” (Nonprofit Quarterly)
This is a moment for the sector to stay informed, stand together, and push back against misinformation.
3 Ways to Understand the Threat and Push Back:
- Sign On: Join MANP and nonprofits across the country in urging Washington to protect our sector—consider signing your organization onto this sign-on letter, coordinated by the National Council of Nonprofits, Public Citizen, State Democracy Defenders Fund, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, ACLU, and Americans Against Government Censorship: An Open Letter Rejecting Presidential Attacks on Nonprofit Organizations
- Learn: Our partners at the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) have put together a helpful new resource to clarify the facts: Myths v. Reality: Executive Branch Lacks Authority to Target Nonprofit Organizations. We encourage you to read and share it widely.
- Share your story: We invite nonprofits to continue sharing the impacts of these executive actions on their work via this brief form. These stories help us advocate effectively with Maine's delegation, and raise awareness through the media. We will not use or attribute any examples without permission.
Scheduled Events in Response to Rumored Executive Actions (times are subject to change):
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Rapid response webinars (within 24 hours / within a week) will be held if and when relevant EOs are signed.
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Day of Action, Wednesday, 5/7
Resources to Prepare:
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Safeguard: What to do if your nonprofit's tax exemption is revoked
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Review: Executive orders affecting charitable nonprofits chart - updated frequently (National Council of Nonprofits)
- Stay connected:
- MANP's blog is regularly updated with information related to the Executive Actions
- MANP is hosting two upcoming community forums: 5/15 in Presque Isle and 5/28 in Rockland - join us