Executive Orders & Actions We Are Monitoring

The Council continues to monitor executive orders and actions relevant to the broad philanthropic sector. To stay up to date on the latest information, sign up for Washington Snapshot. And Council members can join the Council’s Public Policy Action Network, which meets every other month to learn more about the Council’s Government Affairs work.

Background Resources

• What Is an Executive Order?, American Bar Association, Jan. 25, 2021.
• Presidential Actions, White House, as of Jan. 23, 2025.

White House Engagement

Initial Recissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions

Section 2 revokes several previous Executive Orders, including Executive Order 14015 of February 14, 2021, which established the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships formed partnerships between government and non-profit organizations, both secular and faith-based, to serve Americans more effectively in need. The Office did so in ways that are consistent with the guarantees of the U.S. Constitution and other laws.

• Impact on Philanthropic Sector: Eliminating the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships will likely limit opportunities for communication, engagement, and collaboration between the White House and the philanthropic and broader nonprofit sector.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)

Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity

Section 4 Directs the Attorney General of the United States to develop a plan to deter DEI programs or principles (whether specifically designated “DEI” or otherwise) that constitute illegal discrimination or preferences. As a part of this plan, each agency shall identify up to nine potential civil compliance investigations of publicly traded corporations, large non-profit corporations or associations, foundations with assets of 500 million dollars or more, State and local bar and medical associations, and institutions of higher education with endowments over 1 billion dollars.

• Impact on Philanthropic Sector: It is unclear yet the impact on the sector. The Attorney General has until May 20, 2025 to develop their plan.
• For more information, review this resource from our partners at Holland & Knight: Executive Order: Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing

Federal Department Engagement

Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity

Section 3, subsection i rescinds Executive Order 11246, which prohibited federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Under this order, contractors were:

• Prohibited from discriminating against applicants or employees because they inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or that of others, subject to certain limitations; and
• Also required to develop affirmative action plans to ensure equal opportunity to employment opportunities.
• Impact on Philanthropic Sector: Unclear yet, as contractors must still follow federal law related to employment.

Unleashing American Energy

Section 4, subsection b ends all activities, programs, and operations associated with American Climate Corps. This order compels the Secretary of the Interior to terminate the "American Climate Corps Memorandum of Understanding."

• Impact on Philanthropic Sector: Ends philanthropic investments that were operating under this memorandum of understanding leveraging federal investments and maximizing community and participant engagement and impact.

Other

Designating Cartels and Other Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists

Declares a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to designate certain international cartels and other organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or Specially Designated Global Terrorists. Requires the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to make operational preparations to invoke the Alien Enemies Act in relation to the “qualifying invasion or predatory incursion” against the U.S. by these organization and to prepare facilities to expedite the removal of those designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or Specially Designated Global Terrorists under the Order.