Federal Actions: Alaska Impacts

Tracking changes in the federal government.

The Trump Administration has promised many changes to the federal government, the first of which has been dozens of executive orders covering a wide range of issues that include nonprofits and tribes in their scope. The implications of the executive orders vary greatly, from immediately taking effect to being challenged in court. Staying abreast of executive orders, directives, new laws, and their related actions is crucial for ensuring you are aware of potential hurdles to your work.

We recognize that misinformation and confusion will be present in this rapidly changing environment. We will endeavor not only to place trusted sources of information on this site but also to update it as new and verifiable information becomes available.

We also recognize that people coming to this page will have differing perspectives. Foraker is nonpartisan. We encourage everyone to take the information here back to your organization, carefully consider it, and then use it in a way that is appropriate in your decision-making.

No information on this page should be considered legal advice.

Federal Funding Freezes Challenge Alaska Nonprofits

The funding freezes could affect the billions of dollars Alaska receives each year from the federal government, including funds directly to nonprofits and tribes and funds to the state that are then passed through to nonprofits. According to research Foraker has conducted in partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Economic Development, the latest available data shows that Alaska received $38 billion in federal grants in 2023. This is in addition to funding from the Infrastructure and Jobs Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and remaining federal pandemic relief funds. Each of the projects within these funds is being reviewed for compliance with the executive orders before they can commence.

What You Can Do — A Call to Action

We are hearing from many organizations in crisis. We want to help advocate for the important services you provide. Please provide us with updates so we can share the impacts with our policymakers. Fill out this real-time consequences form to share your news.

We are calling on our congressional delegation — Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Representative Nick Begich — to stand with us. We invite your organization to sign-on to this letter.

Are you looking for ways to prepare your organization for these turbulent times — those we are experiencing now and those that may lie ahead? We’ve prepared Eight Steps to help guide you.

Join our Advocacy in Action webinars where we highlight issues impacting Alaska’s nonprofits and tribes and offer suggestions on how you can become involved in advocating your position on them.
Watch this page and our blog as we add more ways you can support your organization and the sector. And you can sign up here to receive special announcements.

Follow the Executive Orders — Their Impacts and Status

President Trump signed dozens of executive orders (EOs) covering a broad range of issues, including diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, government grants and contracts, civic engagement, immigration, and certain nonprofit subsectors. Some of the EOs won’t take effect immediately, and many are being challenged in court. The National Council of Nonprofits maintains a list of EOs and their current status, which it updates regularly.

You can find the latest here on the impact of executive orders on nonprofits.

What is an executive order? Have you wondered exactly what an executive order does? See this explanation from the American Bar Association.

How Foraker is Supporting Your Work

Foraker is actively engaging with elected officials, including state legislators and our federal delegation, and with the National Council of Nonprofits to gain clarity on current federal actions. We are also talking with Alaska-based funders and other technical assistance providers to stay informed and engaged.

Our goal is to mitigate the impact on Alaska’s 5,688 nonprofits and all tribes, their 35,302 employees, and the communities they serve. To better understand the impact on Alaska nonprofits, we conducted two surveys of nonprofits in January and February. We received close to 300 responses from a wide range of organizations that serve Alaskans. Here’s some of what we learned: Read the Report. 

The following reports and presentations bring to life the impact of nonprofits on the quality of life for Alaskans. Use this information to support advocacy for your organization.

For Laurie’s perspective on the challenges currently facing Alaska’s nonprofits, see her opening comments at our April Leadership Summit and in her column Let’s Build a Runway in the our April newsletter.

Foraker’s Rapid Response Tools

We have launched a Rapid Response set of classes, tools, and connection points to help you navigate this crisis. Check out these classes and watch for announcements of additions to come.

Resources from the National Council of Nonprofits, which are updated regularly.

Additional resources from trusted sources

In the News – Alaska Nonprofit Impact Stories

Note: Only articles that are not blocked by paywalls are included in this list. We encourage you to follow Alaska’s print media and other trusted outlets for additional coverage.

Latest Federal Impact Posts

May 7, 2025
A Conversation with Senator Lisa Murkowski
Posted Under: Federal Impacts Leadership Summit

This conversation between Laurie Wolf (CEO, The Foraker Group) and Senator Lisa Murkowski was held at the 2025 Leadership Summit on April 14, 2025, at the Dena’ina Civic Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska. The Leadership Summit is a nonprofit leadership conference held every two years by The Foraker Group. You can watch a video of their conversation here.  Laurie Wolf: We are so incredibly grateful that Senator Murkowski has taken the time to be with all of us today. Just so much gratitude for you and your staff. You’ve been so wonderful taking all of our phone calls, all of our emails, all of our “Oh my goodness, what’s happening next?” moments. Thank you so much. I know you have an amazing staff as well. So an extra shout-out to… Read more »

May 7, 2025
It’s Personal: Why Nonprofits Matter to Everyone
Posted Under: Advocacy Federal Impacts President's letter

The place where your child stays safe after school or plays soccer or learns an instrument The place where your niece or nephew adopted their dog, cat, or guinea pig The place where your neighbor gets a bag of groceries to make ends meet every few weeks The place where your sister learns how to sing, dance, and perform The place where someone you love seeks refuge The place where your parents or grandparents seek daily elder care The place you call in an emergency The place where you get well The place you tune in to stay informed, entertained, and up to date The place where your auntie draws hope The place where your community worships, explores, and connects with like-minded people The place you turn to after a… Read more »

Apr 13, 2025
A letter to our congressional delegation – Sign on!
Posted Under: Advocacy Federal Impacts

We invite you to read the letter below and sign on here. TO: Senator Lisa Murkowski Senator Dan Sullivan Representative Nick Begich RE: An Invitation to Stand with Alaska’s Nonprofit Sector DATE: April [11], 2025 As our Alaska representatives in federal policy we, the undersigned nonprofits, along with our partner The Foraker Group, request that you stand strongly with us as we endure an unprecedented amount of undoing of our vital programs and services that are designed to help all Alaskans. Looking past the rhetoric being used to defund and dismantle our programs, we invite you to look around and see that no matter where you live or how you move through your day, Alaska’s nonprofits are providing essential services like medical care, housing, fisheries management, emergency services, and utilities. We also bring joy… Read more »

Apr 9, 2025
Let’s Build a Runway
Posted Under: Federal Impacts President's letter

As is my way, I am going to be honest. As a sector, we face a pretty difficult set of circumstances that are likely to get worse before they get better – and we are not alone. Hundreds of government agencies with which we partner are being dismantled without a strategic understanding of the impact on human life, our environment, or our economy. Simultaneously, we can see some who are incredibly hopeful about the possibilities of these changes. I am sure some would strongly disagree with both these views – such is the nature of democracy. We can do things that feel and impact people in diametrically different ways. Predominately, however, as I watch and listen every day to the stories of human impact and the depth of the legal… Read more »

Mar 10, 2025
What should I be doing now? Eight steps to manage risk and move strategically
Posted Under: Federal Impacts

In the vein of never missing an opportunity to make your organization stronger, these steps will put you and your team back into a space of control while thinking strategically about your next move. Even if you never have to take out these tools and use them, having done the work will place your organization on solid ground. Take the time to “go slow, to go fast.” Your mission is worth it! Focus on compliance! There was never a more important time than now to have your internal house in order. Check your compliance list twice when it comes to funding and personnel compliance with the law and the rules of each granting agency. Since the pandemic, we have seen a national and statewide shortage of auditors, so make extra… Read more »

Mar 6, 2025
Free webinar: Navigating Staffing Changes
Posted Under: Federal Impacts

Amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal funding, many organizations are grappling with how to adapt their staffing structures. In this FREE webinar on March 12 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, we will address key employment challenges, with a particular emphasis on effectively managing layoffs and furloughs. We’re here to help you and your organization navigate employment challenges in our current operating environment…. Read more »

Feb 25, 2025
Crisis, Chaos, and Confusion: What we are Hearing from Nonprofits
Posted Under: Advocacy Federal Impacts

A funding freeze for any length of time could affect the billions of dollars Alaska receives each year from the federal government. Recent Foraker research in partnership with the UA Center for Economic Development shows our state received $38 billion in federal funds in 2023. This is in addition to funds received between 2022 and 2024 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ($7.6 billion), the Inflation Reduction Act ($2.5 billion), broadband funding ($2.2 billion), and remaining federal pandemic relief funds ($2.5 trillion). Alaska is one of the largest recipients of federal funds per capita, with roughly 37% of the state’s annual budget coming from the federal government. Every Alaskan will feel the impact of retrenchment. To better understand the impact of a freeze, Foraker conducted two surveys of nonprofits… Read more »

Feb 22, 2025
NCN posts regular updates on status of EOs
Posted Under: Federal Impacts

We want to remind you that the National Council of Nonprofits regularly updates the status of the executive orders signed by President Trump. You can find those updates here and on our web page in the section Federal Actions — Updates. We also encourage you to check our web page regularly where we post information, resources, and news reports specifically for Alaska nonprofits…. Read more »

Feb 19, 2025
Call in to Senator Murkowski’s Tele-Town Hall
Posted Under: Advocacy Federal Impacts

Senator Lisa Murkowsi is hosting a tele-town hall on February 19 from 5:00 – 6:00 pm AKST. The number to call is 855-756-7520 Ext 120665# Call in to share your concerns about federal funding with the Senator…. Read more »

Feb 12, 2025
Sign onto the Nonprofit Letter to Congress
Posted Under: Advocacy Federal Impacts

As Congress begins work on tax and spending priorities, much is at stake for charitable nonprofits. Lawmakers will decide policy questions that can have a profound impact – positive or negative – on the ability of local organizations to improve lives, strengthen communities, and advance the public good. Sign onto the Nonprofit Community Letter to ensure Representatives and Senators understand the importance and impact of charitable organizations to their constituents and communities. Go here to add your organization’s name to this vital communication…. Read more »