Members, partners, and allies:
By now, you might already be aware that the White House has issued an Executive Order, effective at 5 PM today, January 28, 2025, directing all federal agencies to temporarily pause activities related to the obligation or disbursement of federal financial assistance.
This temporary pause is intended to allow the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to review agency programs and assess their alignment with the President’s priorities. The review is expected to conclude by February 10, 2025.
There was a clause in the executive order that stated: “The OMB may grant exceptions allowing Federal agencies to issue new awards or take other actions on a case-by-case basis.”
We recognize that this announcement brings a great deal of uncertainty for our members and the communities we serve. While the full impact of these decisions is not yet clear, we want you to know that we are actively engaging with our partners and national organizations to understand what these changes mean for funding streams and program continuity.
During this time, we recommend:
- Take stock of current federal funding and engage with granting agencies to understand any potential changes.
- Reassessing short-term plans and cash flow projections to prepare for any delays or changes in funding beyond February 10.
- Explore other funding streams and collaborative solutions to maintain momentum in creating vibrant, inclusive communities.
We are here to support you through this period of uncertainty. Our team is monitoring policies as they unfold, talking to our state and local elected and appointed officials, and working to provide accurate updates as quickly as possible. While much remains unknown, we are committed to working alongside our members, partners, national organizations, and stakeholders to advocate for stability, resources, and support for the District’s under-resourced communities.
Things are moving quickly, and we want to be deliberate in our actions to ensure productivity and impact. We will be convening soon so we can better learn what these changes mean for The Coalition’s membership as well as discuss the next steps. As we navigate this together, we will continue to provide timely updates and resources to help you chart your organization’s path forward.
Let’s stay connected, informed, and hopeful as we continue in our missions.
