Trump’s Earth Day Executive Order 2025
The developing situation around Trump’s potential Earth Day executive order in 2025 has created significant uncertainty across the sector. We’ve all seen the reports gathering steam, heard the (leaked?) warnings from bodies like the American Bar Association, and understand the real concerns this raises for foundations focused on vital work.
If you’re trying to figure out what this means for your grantmaking, you’re not alone. The possibility of major shifts impacting how philanthropy operates requires clear thinking and proactive strategy.
What Trump’s Earth Day executive order is expected to include
The core issues under discussion – whether still rumoured or recently emerging – centre on potential new rules that could significantly reshape grantmaking. Areas under scrutiny reportedly include:
- New complexities for US foundations funding work overseas.
- Potential limits on US nonprofits receiving international support.
- Questions surrounding the 501(c)(3) status for groups active internationally or in essential fields like climate action, nature conservation, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).
- Possible changes to tax exemptions for donors supporting these critical areas.
Recent news, particularly around Earth Day, has focused heavily on potential actions targeting environmental groups’ tax-exempt status, highlighting the administration’s focus on specific sectors.
What’s the reality on the ground?
Whether specific executive orders were announced today or are still unfolding, the climate of heightened scrutiny for nonprofits and philanthropy is undeniable. We know that executive actions impacting funding and regulations have already occurred this year, setting a precedent.
While legal experts rightly note that formal processes like revoking 501(c)(3) status take time and follow specific IRS procedures, the current environment itself – the targeted language, the direct scrutiny – necessitates a response from foundations. Waiting for absolute certainty might mean losing valuable time.
Navigating Trump’s (potential) executive orders
So, what does this mean for foundations committed to driving change? It means that navigating complexity and potential disruption is essential right now. In light of these developments (or continued uncertainty), the need for strategic clarity, robust compliance awareness, and resilient funding infrastructure is paramount.
This is where dependable partnerships and secure operational structures, like fiscal hosting or working with intermediaries, become incredibly valuable. They offer established pathways to ensure funding continues to reach the communities and causes you support, even when the terrain gets rough.
Alternative, safe funding channels
Thinking about how potential or newly announced funding rules might affect your grants? It’s crucial to keep that impactful funding flowing, particularly for international, climate, or DEI work. In this environment, finding reliable partners is key. The Social Change Nest works alongside foundations like yours, offering established and secure ways to make grants happen. We’re happy to have a confidential chat about how we can help you figure out a safe and secure way to continue funding vital organisations fighting climate change.
This post reflects information and concerns circulating and developing as of April 22, 2025.
