Federal Policy Changes
Already, 2025 has been a year unlike any other. The changes in federal policy are coming at a pace we’ve not experienced before. Not even a month in, the new administration immediately issued several significant Executive Orders (EOs), creating uncertainty across the social sector. From attempts to freeze Congressionally approved funding, to efforts banning diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and questionable tactics to slash the federal workforce; funders and nonprofit partners are gravely concerned about how the fabric of our democracy and the systems of constitutionally mandated checks and balances are fraying right before our eyes. To help you cut through the noise, the National Council of Nonprofits is tracking and continuously updating its analysis of the impact of these EOs on nonprofit organizations in real time.
This is the time to shore up relationships with colleagues and nonprofit partners. I’m grateful that in New Jersey, we have a strong partnership with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits. Advocacy and policy are at the heart of the Center’s mission. They have been at the forefront of keeping us informed about the Office of Mangement and Budget's (OMB) freezing of federal grants and loans. I encourage you to:
- Sign up for the Center’s email list for up-to-date, reliable information.
- Ask your grantees and nonprofit partners to complete the annual NJ Trends and Outlook survey, launched today. This year, the survey is also collecting stories about how executive actions are impacting nonprofit organizations.
On behalf of philanthropy-supporting organizations, United Philanthropy Forum is also mobilizing to serve as a key source for accurate, reliable information with their newly created resource page, “Executive Actions Impacting the Philanthropic & Nonprofit Sectors."
Funders across the country are asking what they can do immediately. As I noted above, leveraging your partnerships and strengthening your relationships is key. Echoing sage recommendations from the Council on Foundations and Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, here are other strategies for your consideration:
- Reach out to your grantees and nonprofit partners – don’t wait for them to reach out to you. They need to hear from you and know that you are championing their often-thankless work.
- Offer flexible funding and move funding quickly. Allow your grantees to repurpose their current grant funding to meet the needs of their organization and those they serve. Giving nonprofits every resource and tool they need to be nimble is critical.
- Share your funding opportunities with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits to post on their revamped funding page.
- Get comfortable introducing your grantees to new partners, other grantees, and potential funders. This is how we build strong, resilient communities of practice and service.
We’re embarking upon untested times. As we celebrate Black History Month and Women’s History in March, it is important to remember that meaningful change starts and ends with partnership, collaboration, and advocacy. Philanthropy has a critical role to play in this equation.
To help you better understand the federal policy landscape, we’re hosting an eight-part Funder Briefing Series: Making Sense of Federal Policy: Understanding What it Means for
New Jersey, beginning in March. This series will provide an overview of key issues that directly impact philanthropy, and more broadly, the charitable sector. The first session, on March 13 at 4:00 pm., will focus on immigration.
In addition, we will be launching a web page with information and resources to help inform your decision-making, as well as reintroducing our policy infused e-newsletter, CNJG ...for the field. Covering both big 'P' and little 'p' policy issues, the first edition will land in your inbox later this month, providing key updates and relevant articles.
I want to end with some exciting news — Craig Weinrich has been
promoted to Senior Director, Member Experience. Craig has been with CNJG for 11 years, and his leadership and dedication have been invaluable to our community. Please join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved promotion!
And channeling Craig – a quick reminder: it’s time to renew your CNJG membership. Please reach out to him if you have questions.
We look forward to engaging with you in the months ahead. Philanthropy has an important role during these tenuous times. Let’s use our collective power for good.
In solidarity,
Theresa Jacks, President and CEO
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers