AIBS joined more than 1,300 nonprofit organizations across the country in signing a letter opposing the Trump Administration’s proposed changes to the federal System for Award Management (SAM), the online platform used to apply for and manage federal funding.
The proposal has sparked widespread concern, drawing more than 20,000 public comments in opposition before the March 30 deadline.
“Under the proposed changes, applicants and recipients of federal financial assistance would be required to sign new certifications under penalty of criminal and civil law,” the letter reads. “These certifications attempt to align with President Trump’s executive order and the U.S. Department of Justice guidance, which misrepresent diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs and activities as ‘illegal.’ The new certification also includes provisions on undocumented immigration and terrorism.”
Nonprofits caution that the proposed requirements are vague and overly complex, making compliance difficult to assess. This ambiguity could expose organizations to legal challenges and costly investigations even in the absence of wrongdoing, potentially forcing them to redirect staff time and resources away from mission-driven work to manage compliance obligations.
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