NOTE: This information is being offered only as an
educational resource. Nothing in this educational resource
should be considered legal advice nor create any attorney
client relationship. The best use of this resource is as the
beginning of your own research which should be followed
up with a conversation with an attorney and/or other
professionals who can advise you in accordance with the
facts and circumstances of your own situation.

what you need to know & DO to
defend your federal funding

resources for
building

  • a new world

the underground:

In issuing the Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI
Programs and Preferencing Executive Order, the
Administration initiated a coordinated, comprehensive
strategy to eliminate what it calls “illegal” “diversity, equity,
inclusion, and accessibility” (DEIA), “environmental justice,”
“equity,” “equity-related” programs, grants or contracts
across all federal agencies.

What to Know:
the background

One immediate consequence of this executive order was
the federal funding freeze implemented across the federal
government. No fewer than 2600 programs have been
impacted by the pause in government payments. The
Constitution and Impoundment Control Act make it illegal
for the Executive branch of the government to take
deliberate action to override Congress’s power of the purse.
Presidents are not able to make government spending
decisions without first getting permission from Congress.

what to know: the threat to

government funding

Across the country, communities and public servants alike
are struggling to assist vulnerable communities that are
falling into crisis because of this illegal funding freeze. For
community-based organizations that rely on government
funding to assist children, families, farmers, land stewards in
accessing life supporting services, these services are at risk
of ending.

What to Know:

community impact

Multiple lawsuits have been filed challenging the
widespread withholding of funding for government-
supported programs and services.


Two judges have issued temporary restraining orders which
are legally binding documents that have instructed the
executive branch to stop withholding this critical funding.
One of those judges has awarded an enforcement order.


However, the illegal funding freeze continues.

What to KNow:
on-going issues

We do not have capacity to function as efficiently as
machines. We have been led to believe technology is a
fundamental human need. We have been conditioned to
internalize anti-human rates of efficiency and information
processing.


In the new world we are building together, we will center our
fundamental human needs and de-prioritize anti-human
information and technology integration. Community and
nature are our best teachers for this wisdom.

what to do: spend time in
community & nature

Legally, only action by Congress or litigation can make
sure the Federal funding freeze ends.


You will need to take action to defend your rights. To
engage the judicial and legislative branches of
government, you will need to present facts. The facts you
present will need to be verifiable and documented.

what to do:

take action

  1. Use a physical recordkeeping system. This could be a series
    of emails, a notebook, or a notes document you keep on your
    computer or mobile phone.
  2. Begin every entry with the date of the communication with
    government officials, program officers, and elected officials.
  3. Record the location of the communication. If the
    communication was by phone, document the phone number
    you called.
  4. Document the name of the person you communicated with
    and their role or title.
  5. Summarize what was discussed.
  6. As a best practice, send a follow-up email confirming the
    discussion. That way, you have more than one written record.

what to do:

how to DOCUMENT

Maintaining compliance on all grant awards and/or
cooperative agreements is the only way to preserve your
legal rights to your program funding.


Review the terms of your grant award letter or cooperative
agreement in consultation with professional service
providers (i.e. accountants, attorneys etc) to make sure you
do not miss any requirements for compliance.


For assistance with reviewing your agreement for
compliance, contact Lawyers for Good Government.

what to do:

maintain compliance

  1. Make a regular practice of contacting your program officer by
    phone, email, and/or physical mail. You can send this
    template letter from Lawyers for Good Government.
  2. Share a copy of the enforcement order with your funding
    request(s).
  3. As a best practice, send a follow-up emails confirming any
    discussion by phone or attempted communication. That way,
    you will have more than one written record.
  4. Follow-up with your program officer until you receive a
    favorable outcome.

what to do:

request your funding

what to DO:

what to say to your electeds

1. Find your elected officials. Consider using a script.

2. Introduce yourself.

3. Let them know you live in their district.

4. Describe the community group you are a member of or support.

5. Name your concern. (e.g. I am very concerned about the funding freeze).

6. Tell them how the funding freeze affects you or the community group you
support.

7. Make a direct ask (i.e. Tell them exactly what you want them to do.)

8. Ask them if there is anything else they need to take the action you are
asking them to take.

9. Thank them for their time and service.

what to DO:

connecting with others

Connecting with others is the most important part of giving power to your
documented experience. Keep your local, community-based organization
or advocacy group informed about your experiences.


You can even volunteer to help organize other people with similar
experiences to make calls to elected officials together.


An organized group of people with a well-documented pattern of
experiences, can engage the media or even attorneys to explore further
steps. Together we can ensure all communities receive their federal
funding.

Designed with