For Immediate Release: January 28, 2025
Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
New York, NY– Yesterday, the Trump administration issued a memo pausing disbursements on federal grants and below is a statement from Frankie Miranda, President and CEO, of Hispanic Federation (HF), responding to this announcement:
“The Trump administration’s decision to freeze all disbursements of federal grants that were previously obligated will have immediate and disastrous consequences for nonprofits and the communities they serve. Nonprofits need access to funding that was promised by the federal government so they can continue providing services that government agencies normally cannot provide. Nonprofits are pillars of their communities, and they serve their networks with cultural and linguistic competency.
Nonprofits provide a wide range of services, including essential health and mental health services, afterschool programming, childcare, hunger relief, services to veterans and assistance for victims of domestic violence. All of these services are immediately jeopardized by this shortsighted policy. Halting billions in federal financial assistance will negatively impact the economy and force millions of Americans to turn to the government to replace the services and resources provided by nonprofits – or worse: be forced to go without.
What’s clear is that this decision is another attempt by President Trump to warp the system of checks and balances created by the U.S Constitution. President Trump is testing the limits of his powers on the backs of Americans. Only Congress has the power to cancel funding previously approved by legislative action; that is why we are calling on all Members of Congress to properly serve their constituents and fight back. We also appreciate that some state leaders have already stepped up to challenge the order, pointing out how the policy would be extremely detrimental to their constituents and economy. We need to ensure this funding – that was already approved through the legislative process – can be used to provide the essential services that millions of Americans rely on every day.”
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About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latinos. With programs in 40 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.