January 30, 2025

Dear MPHA Members and Friends,

As you likely know, the American Public Health Association (APHA), along with the National Council of Nonprofits, Main Street Alliance and SAGE, filed a lawsuit against the United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directive that halted the distribution of all federal funds and grants that includes financial assistance “for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal.” The suit was filed on Tuesday afternoon by Democracy Forward. Right before it was scheduled to go into effect at 5pm, a judge stayed the order and set a time on Monday, February 3rd, for the case to be heard in full.

What can you do?

First, APHA's lawyers are asking us to help gather information and stories about the impact of this freeze on the public's health in the short- and long-term. This is an urgent request - response is needed by Friday, January 31, 11 am CT.

Do you (or does anyone you know) have a federal grant that serves the public and would you be willing to share information about the impact of the freeze? APHA created this Google form to gather information to share with their lawyers. 

Share Impact with APHA by Jan 31, 11 am

Secondly, the MN Council of Nonprofits (MCN) is also collecting stories to measure the impact. Please feel free to share your stories there as well. This information will help MCN communicate with federal and state leadership about the negative impact of this freeze.

MCN Federal Grant Freeze Form

For more information on Executive Orders affecting nonprofits, please see this chart from the National Council of Nonprofits. The press release on the rescinded order from MCN lists additional actions you can take.

MPHA acknowledges the stress and uncertainties over the past week and a half due to changes at the national level are affecting your families, communities, colleagues and programs. As an independent, non-partisan public health association, MPHA remains committed to supporting you with our mission of creating a healthier Minnesota through effective public health practice and engaged citizens. If there is something specific you need help with, or have ideas to share, please reach out to us.

Merry Grande, Executive Director and Kristin Moore, President