The recent federal funding freeze and Executive Orders are having profound effects on communities, organizations, and museums. We know this brings uncertainty, and we’re here to help by providing updates and resources. We appreciate your patience as we work with our partners to create resources to help you navigate this rapidly changing situation. We will continue to update this page with information and resources.

Resources 

16 Attorneys General issue guidance on the legality of DEI in the workplace

This helpful article from HBR provides insight on shifting language around DEI

FAQ from Venable on the federal funding freeze

This chart from the National Council of Nonprofits outlines some of the Executive Orders (EOs) which President Trump has signed since January 20 that may affect nonprofits directly or indirectly. It is updated periodically with new developments, and covers a broad range of issues including diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; government grants and contracts; census and civic engagement; and immigration. It covers how nonprofits serving LGBTQ+ communities may be affected, and how nonprofits who work with federal government partners and granting agencies may face new challenges. While some of the EOs won’t take effect immediately, and many are expected to be challenged in court, staying informed about these rapidly evolving changes can help museums prepare for the path ahead.

This chart from the Education Counsel outlines the potential impacts of recent executive orders on early childhood, K-12, and higher education.

 

Updates from AAM

Update 2/3/25

Read a letter to our members from AAM President & CEO, Marilyn Jackson

A survey was distributed to museum CEOs to assess the impacts of recent Executive Orders and threats to federal funding. If you are a museum CEO and have not received this survey, please email research@aam-us.org. Your answers are valuable whether or not your museum receives federal funding.

Share your biggest questions and concerns with us. Responses will help us work with our partners to share updates and resources with the field. All responses are anonymous and will not be shared publicly.

 

Update 1/29/25 1:35 pm

The administration has rescinded the federal funding freeze order.

 

Update 1/29/25 12:13 pm

The information below is provided by the National Council of Nonprofits, of which AAM is a member.

Just before the federal funding freeze was set to take effect, United States District Court Judge Loren L. AliKhan issued an Administrative Stay through Monday, February 3 at 5:00 pm. The stay allows time for both sides of the case to present the judge with more information, so the court can make a more lasting ruling. With the Administrative Stay in place, nonprofits have a few days to try to gain more clarity over whether their programs are affected and to make contingency plans. Our hope is that Judge AliKhan will find in our favor and put a more lasting order in place. And Monday may not be the final word on this, as either side may appeal this all the way to the Supreme Court. For now, nonprofits should be taking these next few days to make contingency plans, just in case. If you receive any federal funding – whether directly from the federal government or a pass-through, such as a state or locality – reach out to your grant/contract contact immediately to ask if you will be affected if the freeze is allowed to go into effect.

 

Update: 1/28/25 5:38 pm

A federal judge has temporarily halted President Trump’s pause on federal funding through at least 5 pm ET Monday, February 3.

 

Update: 1/28/25 4:55 pm

Last night, the Trump Administration announced a temporary pause on the disbursements of funds and other activities that “may be implicated by” the administration’s recent executive orders.

This action would “temporarily” halt billions of dollars in federal grants and loans to organizations across the country. The memo leaves many federal payments in jeopardy — including grants and loans issued to charities, research bodies, and all types of nonprofits, including museums.

The text of the order is here. It raises large constitutional questions, is getting significant pushback from advocacy coalitions and Congressional leaders, and is already being challenged in lawsuits.

While we take issue with much of the language of this memo, our immediate concern is for museum staff, and the communities they serve, whose livelihoods depend on these legally awarded grants and contracts.

We ask that you please contact your members of Congress using our template letter to express your concerns about how this memo will impact your museum or community. Update: As of 1/29/2025, the administration has rescinded the federal funding freeze order.