The past few months have brought a torrent of legislation, executive actions, and regulatory proposals that will affect nonprofits and the people and communities we serve, and more will certainly be coming. Below are some news items and suggested resources to assist in navigating the policy landscape.

New executive order would upend federal grantmaking processes – August 14, 2025.  A new executive order (EO) issued on August 7 by President Trump would significantly alter and politicize the process by which federal grants get approved, payments issued, and awards rescinded, all to the likely detriment of many nonprofits and state and local governments that rely on such grants. more information

What’s in the massive tax bill signed into law July 4? – July 7, 2025. On July 3, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 218-214 to pass massive tax legislation, which President Trump signed into law on July 4. The final bill did include notable changes to some of the provisions affecting exempt organizations compared with the previous versions. But the overall framework remains, expanding many of the provisions of the 2017 tax law while adding restrictions and making cuts to many safety net programs that Americans need.  more details

White House escalates attacks on nonprofits; what we know so far – April 21, 2025. According to growing reports, President Trump may soon issue one or more executive orders directly targeting the tax-exempt status of nonprofit organizations. more information

Executive Order Targets Elections, Voting, Nonprofits – updated April 25, 2025. On March 25, 2025, the White House issued a sweeping and alarming executive order (EO) titled, “Preserving and Protecting The Integrity of American Elections,” that would have a chilling effect on voting rights nationwide. The EO also contains provisions that directly seek to suppress lobbying by nonprofits that receive federal funds. On April 24, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking portions of the order. more information

Summary of Executive Orders Issued by the White House – A summary grid of some of the Executive Orders issued by the White House, their potential impact on nonprofits, and links to additional information. Prepared by our nationwide network, the National Council of Nonprofits. Bookmark this link and visit it regularly, as this document will be updated frequently. https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/files/media/documents/2025/chart-executive-orders.pdf. 

Litigation Tracker – Legal Challenges to Trump Administrative Actions – Many of the executive orders and other actions taken by the White House have been challenged in court. This litigation tracker is maintained and frequently updated by JustSecurity, a project of the New York University School of Law.

Advocacy Causes and Organizations – a “first stop” list of some New Jersey and national organizations focused on specific policy issues.

Nonprofits CAN Lobby – our overview of the IRS lobbying regulations governing 501(c)(3) public charities.

New Jersey’s Lobby Disclosure Law – summary of the New Jersey statute governing lobbying (applies to all entities, including nonprofits, that influence NJ legislation, regulations or governmental processes)

Voter Engagement Guide for New Jersey Nonprofits – Conducting nonpartisan voter engagement is not only legal for 501(c)(3) public charities, it’s central to charitable missions. This guide covers the many ways that 501(c)(3) organizations can conduct nonpartisan voter engagement activities. New Jersey Nonprofit Voter Engagement Guide, produced by Nonprofit VOTE, the National Council of Nonprofits, and the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits. Find out more