How to Talk About Presidential EOs Without Freaking Everyone Out
A Crisis Communications Guide for Nonprofits
The wave of Presidential Executive Orders (EOs) has created a storm of uncertainty for nonprofits, particularly those in the human services sector. With legal challenges and shifting interpretations, it’s difficult to predict how these policies will play out—or how to explain them to clients and stakeholders. Many organizations are left scrambling for clarity, balancing the need for immediate communication with the reality that even the experts don’t have all the answers yet.
For many nonprofits, this is an incredibly difficult time. Executive Orders and policy shifts can mean funding freezes, changes in eligibility for grants, regulatory burdens, or even the loss of critical programs that serve vulnerable communities. If your nonprofit relies on federal or state funding, an EO could have a direct financial impact. For organizations serving immigrants, environmental causes, or social services, policy changes could force you to shift your advocacy, messaging, or even service delivery.
Beyond the operational impact, the communities you serve may be the hardest hit. Cuts to social service programs could leave families without access to food, housing, or healthcare. Immigration policy changes may cause fear and uncertainty for those who rely on your organization for support. Environmental rollbacks could impact the health and safety of entire communities. And in some cases, organizations may be faced with the heartbreaking reality of reducing services, limiting outreach, or even shuttering entirely—leaving community members without the safety net they depend on.
But before you start sounding alarm bells (or consider moving to a remote cabin with no Wi-Fi), let’s talk about how your nonprofit can use solid crisis communications strategies to keep your stakeholders informed, engaged, and—most importantly—not panicked.
1. Pause Before You Panic
First things first: take a breath. Executive Orders can make a big splash in the news, but their actual impact often takes time to unfold. Before you react, read the full EO (not just the headline) and check in with reputable sources—think policy analysts, legal experts, or your sector’s national association—to get a clear picture of what it really means for your organization.
Your Move: Designate a point person on your team to track policy updates and summarize their impact in plain language. This will keep your team from chasing rumors and help ensure a calm, facts-based approach.
2. Be Proactive, Not Reactive
The best time to prepare for a crisis? Before it happens. Have a crisis communications plan in place that outlines who will draft messages, who will approve them, and which channels you’ll use to communicate with your stakeholders.
Pro Tip: Create a “policy impact” email template in advance. That way, when an EO drops, you can plug in the key details quickly instead of scrambling to write something from scratch.
3. Understand the Ethical Implications
Beyond the logistical challenges, some Executive Orders may present ethical dilemmas for your nonprofit. If policy changes force you to cut services, turn away certain groups, or shift priorities in ways that don’t align with your mission, you’ll need to think carefully about how to navigate those decisions while maintaining transparency and integrity.
Questions to Ask:
How does this EO affect the communities we serve? Does it put them at risk?
If funding is cut, how do we ensure we uphold our core values?
Are we being pressured to comply with regulations that conflict with our mission?
What role do we have in advocating for or against these changes?
Addressing these questions openly with your board, staff, and stakeholders can help you make informed, ethical decisions that align with your long-term vision.
Example: Recently, I spoke with a communications director at a community clinic grappling with a tough decision. The clinic’s leadership was considering cutting some services, fearing that noncompliance with DEI-related policies could jeopardize their funding. The director was deeply concerned about how to communicate this potential loss to their patients, knowing the impact it could have on those who depend on their services. My advice: Start communicating with the patients who may be affected as early as possible about the potential service changes. Be transparent about what’s at stake, and ensure staff are equipped to guide patients toward alternative resources in the community.
4. Tailor Your Message to Your Audience
Your board, donors, clients, and general community may all have different levels of interest (and anxiety) when it comes to policy changes.
For funders and partners: Stick to the facts and potential operational impact. Keep it concise.
For staff and volunteers: Be transparent about what’s changing (or not) and how it affects their work.
For clients or the public: Use clear, simple language to avoid misinformation.
Example: Instead of saying, “The new EO could significantly alter funding structures for human services programs,” try, “We’re watching this policy closely, but for now, our programs and services remain the same. We’ll keep you updated.”
5. Control the Narrative
If you don’t communicate, someone else will—whether it’s another organization, the media, or that one board member who loves to send ALL CAPS emails. Get ahead of speculation by proactively sharing what you know and what you’re doing about it.
Your Move:
Post a quick update on your website and social media, even if it’s just, “We’re monitoring the situation and will provide updates as we learn more.”
Hold a Q&A session for stakeholders to address concerns directly. Remember, this can be a virtual session.
Provide talking points for your team so they’re aligned when answering questions.
6. Stay Flexible and Follow Up
As we’ve already seen, legal challenges happen, and interpretations shift. Keep the lines of communication open and be ready to update your audience as new information comes in.
Pro Tip: Instead of a one-time “fire drill” message, consider an ongoing update series: “Policy Watch: What We Know and What We’re Doing.” This positions your nonprofit as a calm, informed leader—even when uncertainty looms.
Final Thought: Keep It Real
Your stakeholders don’t expect you to have all the answers immediately, but they do want to hear from you. Be honest, be clear, and acknowledge the real challenges ahead. If an EO means your funding is in jeopardy or services could be disrupted, say so—but also share what steps you’re taking to address it.
This is a tough time for many nonprofits. These Executive Orders can bring real hardship, and it’s okay to admit that. Thinking about shuttering services or letting down the community you serve is painful. But by communicating openly, planning ahead, and advocating for your mission, you can help your organization and those who rely on you navigate these uncertain times together.
