‘Advancing U.S. Interests When Funding NGOs’ White House Memo

Thursday, February 6, the White House issued a Memorandum for the heads of Executive Departments and Agencies regarding funding to Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs), the latest federal order targeting nonprofits.

What is a NGO (nongovernmental organization)? While there is no fixed or formal definition, NGOs are generally defined as nonprofit entities independent of governmental influence, although they may receive government funding.

From the memo:  “It is the policy of my Administration to stop funding NGOs that undermine the national interest. I therefore direct the heads of executive departments and agencies to review all funding that agencies provide to NGOs. The heads of agencies shall align future funding decisions with the interests of the United States and with the goals and priorities of my Administration, as expressed in executive actions…”

The memo does not state specific NGOs.

Bottom line: Federal agencies are being directed to “review all funding that agencies provide to NGOs” and are given authority to “align future funding decisions with the interests of the U.S.”

This funding review is to ensure alignment with the Administration’s Executive Orders. How these Executive Orders affect nonprofits.

This memo is extremely troublesome and puts nonprofit services and operations into jeopardy. MCN is connecting with federal partners to better understand the Memo’s scope, timeline, and specific implications for nonprofits that receive federal funding.

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