NYCON Update: Federal Follow Up

February 19, 2025 –Thankfully the release of federal Executive Orders impacting nonprofits has slowed. (There was one released on Feb. 5, though it is too vague to act on at this point; see the latest in the National Council of Nonprofits tracker.)

But we are now in a time of uncertainty with federal Executive Orders, as legal actions to stop many of the orders continue and exact impact of others remains unclear.

We are continuing to talk with members, lawyers and others in the sector to bring you clarity, information and resources. To that end, we have created a new Member Exchange, a doc of resources recommended by NYCON members or staff that you may find helpful. (Thank you to NYCON’s Member Advisory Council, for this suggestion!) This downloadable PDF is available now in the Member Dashboard and will be updated as other resources are available. (Have a suggestion to add? Please share with Erica at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .)

Also, I invite you to a Feb. 28 virtual meeting with U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer; full details are below, including how to submit questions in advance.

Finally, below are action steps you can take to help your organization and yourself, including ideas for practicing self-care. (See additional ideas in the Member Exchange.) This is a particularly stressful time and we need to be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint.

Above all else – remember you are not alone! Together we are stronger and will get through this. As the CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits Diane Yentel recently said, “We will emerge stronger from this crisis not in spite of it, but because of it.”

Regards,

Megan

Megan Allen | she/her/hers
Chief Executive Officer
New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. (NYCON)

Register:
Virtual meeting with U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 4-5pm, “Safeguarding New York's Nonprofit Sector: A Conversation with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.” All NYS nonprofits are invited; Senator Schumer will provide updates on legislative priorities and discuss the impact of the Executive Orders as well as other threats to New York’s nonprofit landscape. If you have questions for the Senator, send them to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 5 pm on Feb. 25.

Action (for your organization):
Check to see what federal funding you receive. Include state contracts that may be funded by federal dollars: if unsure, check your state contract, which has check boxes identifying if it is state, federal or other funds. Make your board aware of any potential risks, and consider scenario planning, if funding is paused or cut.

Action (for you and your staff):
Take care of yourself: do activities that help you maintain your mental health.
Stay informed but also take breaks from the headlines.
Find joy: Do activities that are fun, including, visiting an art gallery or museum, or visiting a local park.
Stay connected with others: we will get through this, together.