‘Nervous:' Potential federal funding freeze has Oklahoma nonprofits in limbo

A federal funding freeze was set to take effect Tuesday night, endangering the financial health of organizations that depend on the money. However, a federal judge in Washington D.C. temporarily blocked the move just minutes before it was set to take effect. 

Tuesday, January 28th 2025, 10:14 pm

By: Jordan Fremstad


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A federal funding freeze was set to take effect Tuesday night, endangering the financial health of organizations that depend on the money. However, a federal judge in Washington D.C. temporarily blocked the move just minutes before it was set to take effect. 

Oklahoma nonprofits face possible budget cuts 

The potential federal funding freeze has Oklahoma nonprofit leaders on high alert. The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy said they could lose ten percent of the money they use to help children. OICA chief executive officer Joe Dorman started his Tuesday with one feeling. 

“Nervous, because I know that this impacts my employees,” Dorman said. “It certainly wasn’t the way I wanted to wake up this morning.” 

Reason for the White House decision  

President Donald Trump announced a federal funding freeze to make sure grants and loans align with his priorities. Several lawsuits and the federal judge block will buy time – but Dorman said certainty rests on thin ice. 

“I worry about what our abilities will be going forward,” Dorman said. “The grants provide that opportunity to fulfill a mission. We’ve been around for forty-plus years. i certainly don’t want to see us go away.” 

Oklahoma revenue relies on federal grants 

A 2022 report from Oklahoma Watch shows nearly half of Oklahoma’s revenue comes from federal grants. OICA is a subgrantee for a federal grant from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 

OICA uses that funding to help students in 20 rural counties so their families can learn how to sign up for SoonerCare. Dorman’s team also educates lawmakers on new legislation to ensure they understand what they will vote on during the legislative session. 

OICA advocates for new laws that help improve the lives of children and their families. Their work carries a cost. 

“Just like a business we have to pay our bills, and we have to pay our employees,” Dorman said. 

Other nonprofits like the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank said it is aware of the problem. They are working with lawmakers in Washington D.C. to ensure people get the food they need. 

Conservative lawmakers push for more budget cuts 

The Trump proposed sweeping federal budget cuts as part of his campaign promises. Another hearing on this issue is expected on Monday. Dorman acknowledged the need for responsible spending.  

“I certainly applaud the idea that we need to go in and look and see how each dollar is spent,” Dorman said. “But don’t stop a program blindly that’s providing a good service.” 

OICA will continue its work  

Dorman said dollars may freeze but his work will flow with the same mission. 

“Fighting the good fight, knowing that we're making a difference for children,” Dorman said. 

Jordan Fremstad

Jordan Fremstad proudly joined the News 9 team in December 2022 as a multimedia journalist. Jordan is a three-time Emmy-nominated multimedia journalist who began his broadcast journalism career in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Jordan grew up in De Soto, Wisconsin. Jordan comes to Oklahoma City after four years with La Crosse’s CBS affiliate WKBT News 8 Now.

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