The White House released a Memorandum on February 6 requiring the heads of executive departments and agencies to review all funding that agencies provide to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The memorandum further requires agency and department heads to “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 Memorandum, with the subject line, “Advancing United States Interests When Funding Nongovernmental Organizations,” states in full:
The United States Government has provided significant taxpayer dollars to Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs), many of which are engaged in actions that actively undermine the security, prosperity, and safety of the American people. 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 (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; as otherwise determined in the judgment of the heads of agencies; and on the basis of applicable authorizing statutes, regulations, and terms.
The memorandum represents the latest in a series of executive actions by the White House to obstruct the work of nongovernmental organizations that provide vital services like emergency shelters, domestic violence shelters, food banks, and more. Many U.S. housing nonprofits receive funding from federal agencies that allows them to serve community members who would otherwise be left without food, shelter, and basic medical care. NLIHC and our members, partners, and allies will continue to monitor administrative and Congressional actions that will impact housing affordability and access for people with the lowest incomes.
Read the memorandum here.