Top takeaway: Nonprofits face new round of threats as the White House blames ‘radical left NGOs’ for political violence despite no evidence.
As Minnesotans continue to mourn the political assassination of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman, as well as the politically motivated attack against Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits unequivocally condemns all political violence. As the White House and congressional leaders continue to react to the appalling killing of Charlie Kirk, we are deeply concerned by the increased rhetoric blaming nonprofits without any evidence.
Recent political events impacting nonprofits
On September 15, Vice President JD Vance said, “we’re going to go after the NGO network that foments, facilitates, and engages in violence,” and specifically (and baselessly) tied several major foundations as funders and supporters of political violence. In addition, 35 members of Congress issued a letter, calling on Congress to investigate the alleged role of nonprofits and foundations.
On September 22, the President signed an Executive Order, “Designating Antifa as a Domestic Terrorist Organization.” The White House says many other actions could follow the designation, including the possibility of criminal charges, unilateral revocation of tax-exempt status, or criminal investigations opened against foundations or other nonprofits that the Administration determines, without proof, have supported a decentralized and leaderless movement.
On September 25, the President issued a Memorandum, “Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence,” authorizing government-wide investigations into nonprofits, activists, and their donors and funders.
This is also happening at the same time that our federal administration is attempting to dismantle a 70+ year bipartisan supported amendment protecting nonprofits’ ability to remain nonpartisan. (More: What is the Johnson Amendment and why does it matter?)
To be clear: There is no evidence linking nonprofit organizations to political violence.
This executive order is a threat to the entire sector and fundamental principles of American democracy. While the Administration may claim they are only targeting the nonprofits who support domestic terrorists, they’re setting the stage for a completely subjective execution of political power that defies our traditional rule of law and fundamental rights upon which this country was founded.
It is important to note that the United States does not have a legal framework for designating domestic terrorist groups. “The executive order provides no procedural safeguards, evidentiary standards, or appeal mechanisms. It describes Antifa as seeking government ‘overthrow’ but offers no legally cognizable evidence or recognition that Antifa lacks formal organization, leadership, or centralized command” (source). This executive order allows the Administration to attempt to label any organization opposing its policies as affiliated to Antifa and it’s almost impossible to prove otherwise.
Nonprofits are the backbone of society – we stand together
Nonprofits are nonpartisan and exist to serve and improve communities regardless of political views or affiliation. Nonprofits who have demonstrated expertise in their field of work are being broadly and baselessly attacked for carrying out their missions, expressing their values, and supporting their communities.
These accusations and threats are blatant attempts to restrict all our fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom to give.
Much more, these baseless attacks are inspiring threats of political violence against nonprofits and their leaders. Nonprofits will be forced to divert critical resources away from mission-focused work to respond to these attacks.
Nonprofits cannot, and will not, stand by and let our good work be mischaracterized and exploited for political gain. We call on everyone to condemn this dangerous rhetoric and stand with nonprofits. (Resource: Responding to dangerous rhetoric towards nonprofits messaging toolkit; Messaging guidance – September 2025)
Take action
National nonprofit briefing: Join national organizations for a briefing on the memorandum at 3 p.m. central time Monday, September 29. Register for the briefing here. The briefing will break down what is known about the memorandum, its implications, and what to expect going forward. Legal, communications, and organizing experts will share how we can respond strategically.
Sign on letter: Consider adding your organization to a nationwide solidarity letter. They are accepting signatures on a rolling basis, but plan to release the letter publicly via press release on Tuesday. If you’d like to be included in this release, please sign on by Tuesday, September 30 at 8 a.m. central time.
(Related: 500 organizations condemn political violence and stand together against Trump’s threats to nonprofit organizations; Open letter: stand together against Trump’s threats to nonprofit organizations.)
How your nonprofit can prepare
Preparation and calm are paramount, so MCN has created a list of considerations to review.
- Know your rights: MCN and LegalCorps have partnered to provide Minnesota nonprofits with free legal counsel, learn more and access services.
If your your organization receives an investigative letter from the Department of Justice and/or congressional committees, you can access legal, communications, safety/security resources through the Democracy Protection Network. You can apply here: Assistance request form | Democracy Protection Network.
“Nonprofits should consult legal counsel to understand the limits of government authority over their data, operations, financial information, and more. Consult with legal counsel about how to recognize and respond to subpoenas, search warrants, or politically motivated inquiries. Ensure leadership, staff, and key volunteers are trained on what to do in the event of these types of government intrusion.” – Nonprofit Quarterly - Protect people and data: “The safety and privacy of the people the nonprofit serves, and its staff, board, and volunteers must be a priority. Review your data security practices and avoid collecting and storing sensitive information unless absolutely necessary. Update the organization’s policies on data and get everyone trained.” – Nonprofit Quarterly.
Have a document retention policy, make necessary updates, and ensure the policy is implemented. An effective policy can significantly reduce potential legal costs associated with responding to discovery requests. - Engage your community: Consider messaging to donors and funders about changes to their tax deductibility contributions and your increased need for support, as well as messaging to partners and other stakeholders that can provide crucial support during times of crisis.
- Prepare talking points to share with elected officials and the public: stay mission-oriented and nonpartisan and share the positive and local impact of your organization. Always bring it back to communities and impact – every attack on nonprofits is an attack on the community programs people depend on. – National Council of Nonprofits
Resource: Responding to dangerous rhetoric towards nonprofits messaging toolkit (National Council of Nonprofits)
Resource: Messaging guidance – September 2025 (National Council of Nonprofits) - Understand financial & legal implications: Review legal compliance and articles of incorporation documentation as it relates to your nonprofit’s tax status. Explore the financial implications of paying taxes on your contribution income. Talk to your funders to ensure they will continue to support your organization (because they can) even without a tax-exempt status.
- Build strong and sustaining partnership with your Board: Ensure your board is aware and considers further governance actions needed. This might be a moment to review or craft a joint values statement together, which can help guide analysis of organizational risk as this moment calls for a strong showing of solidarity within the nonprofit sector.
- Scenario Planning: Have an incident response plan for responding to a revocation notice or other action, including but not limited to process for working with legal counsel, a crisis communications plan, and cybersecurity plan.
- Additional resources: Access MCN’s list of resources to navigate uncertainty.
MCN will continue to track these developments closely and will report on any updates. Subscribe to our policy e-newsletter, The Nonprofit Advocate, to receive the latest news.