Resources + Draft Text for Federal Grant Freeze

1.28.25 @ 9 AM: Below is an excerpt from the New York Times article this morning about the current administration halting federal grant monies and sample/draft text and information on how to reach representatives and the White House.

It is important to MOVE QUICKLY and flood our legislators with emails, texts and calls to express our dissent. Share this information with your supporters and encourage them to contact their representatives and to share the email, text, and phone scripts below with their communities. The more voices that speak up, the greater the pressure on Congress to act quickly.

The scope of the order is unclear, but if you wish to read more, below is an excerpt, and here is a link to the full article that was in the New York Times this morning: https://nyti.ms/4h98wYQ 

1.28.25 @ 6 PM (UPDATE): The National Council of Nonprofits has filed a lawsuit against the administration. It was approved, and they were granted a stay until 5 PM next Monday.  Apparently, the EO also was unconstitutional because the monies had already been approved. This afternoon, the administration came out with more information about the funding freeze, possibly in response to the outcry. Nonprofits are not safe yet, so keep asking your constituents to contact their representatives and the White House. We can’t wait until something else happens – we need to keep the pressure on the administration and Congress. I will post a modification of the text tomorrow. Thank you for supporting this endeavor – as changemakers, we know our power, so let’s yield it!

Article Title: White House Budget Office Orders Pause in All Federal Loans and Grants

Article Excerpt: “The full extent of the order was not immediately clear, but the directive sent to government agencies on Monday threatened to paralyze a vast swath of federal programs.

The directive threatened to upend funds that course throughout the American economy: Hundreds of billions of dollars in grants to state, local, and tribal governments. Disaster relief aid. Education and transportation funding. Loans to small businesses.

The pause, which is set to go into effect on Tuesday, would continue until at least mid-February, saying that agencies should provide a detailed report on the programs that have been affected by Feb. 10. He added that the pause was needed to ensure federal programs aligned with Mr. Trump’s policy priorities.

“The use of federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and Green New Deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve,” Mr. Vaeth said.

“This order is a potential five-alarm fire for nonprofit organizations and the people and communities they serve,” Diane Yentel, the chief executive of the National Council of Nonprofits, said in a statement.

“From pausing research on cures for childhood cancer to halting food assistance, safety from domestic violence, and closing suicide hotlines, the impact of even a short pause in funding could be devastating and cost lives,” she added. “This order could decimate thousands of organizations and leave neighbors without the services they need.”

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES: The red text below should be hyperlinked to a website with more information.

Contact all members of Congress:

Contact the White House or other federal agencies:

(shared from Joe Katz’s Rogan’s List newsletter. You can subscribe to his Substack at https://susanrogan.substack.com/?r=1mpxs1&utm_campaign=subscribe-page-share-screen&utm_medium=web+)

DRAFT EMAIL TO SEND TO YOUR SUPPORTERS, TEAM MEMBERS, VOLUNTEERS AND BOARD MEMBERS ASKING THEM TO TAKE ACTION

Subject: Urgent Action Needed: Federal Funding Freeze Must Be Reversed

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I’m reaching out with an urgent message regarding a recent directive from the White House Office of Management and Budget. This memo, effective immediately, pauses all federal grants, loans, and financial assistance to programs that may include disaster relief, education, small business loans, and other critical services.

This action jeopardizes programs that are essential to our community and the people we serve. Federal funds are not a political tool — they are lifelines for countless individuals, families, and communities. From food assistance and housing to education and public safety, the potential consequences of this freeze are devastating.

We need your voice to push back against this order. Contact your representatives in Congress TODAY to express your opposition and demand an immediate reversal of this directive.

Here’s how you can take action:

  1. EMAIL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES – suggested email text below.

Subject: Urgent: Reverse the Federal Funding Freeze

Dear [Representative/Senator's Name],

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the recent directive from the White House Office of Management and Budget to pause all federal financial assistance. This decision endangers programs that provide food, housing, education, and critical services to millions of Americans, including [specific services in your area].

Federal funds should never be used as a political weapon. This directive is causing harm to our community and must be rescinded immediately. I urge you to take swift action to reverse this decision and ensure that essential funding is distributed without delay.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

  1. CALL OR TEXT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES: Use the call and text scripts below to leave a voicemail or speak with staff or the suggested text message to send via ResistBot (see link above).

SUGGESTED PHONE SCRIPT:
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [City/State].

I’m calling to express my deep concern about the recent directive from the White House Office of Management and Budget that pauses all federal financial assistance programs. This decision jeopardizes critical funding for programs that provide food, housing, education, and public safety to millions of Americans, including those in our district.

Federal funds are not a political tool—they are lifelines for our community. I urge [Representative/Senator's Name] to act immediately to reverse this harmful order.

Thank you for your time and for standing up for the people who depend on these programs.

SUGGESTED TEXT MESSAGE:

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [City/State]. I’m deeply concerned about the White House directive pausing federal funding for grants and programs that serve our community. These funds are critical for [specific services, e.g., disaster relief, education, food assistance]. Federal funds should not be used as a political weapon. I urge you to take immediate action to reverse this harmful decision. Thank you for your leadership on this urgent matter.

  1. SHARE THIS MESSAGE: Encourage others in your network to take action by sharing this email and information.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. Together, we can protect the programs and services that strengthen our community.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Organization]

QUESTIONS OR ISSUES WITH THIS DOC? Please email me at Julie@TheNonprofitMaven.co

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