Executive orders by the White House are undergoing legal review as government agencies assess the implementation of new requirements and regulations affecting federal operations. To support the tracking of these evolving executive orders, organizations such as the National Council for Nonprofits have developed resource guides that provide regularly updated overviews of each executive order and its related impacts.
Understanding the Impact of Executive Orders and Proposed Legislation on Arts and Culture
This page was last updated October 10, 2025
The Indy Arts Council remains committed to supporting artists and arts organizations by providing resources to navigate these evolving political changes. These tools can help arts and culture organizations stay informed, protect their rights, and advocate for their communities.
This page will be updated regularly as new information becomes available. Please email indyarts@indyarts.org if you have any questions or would like to share a resource.
Please note: These resources have been compiled solely for informational purposes and are not intended to be legal advice.
Resource Guides
As new executive orders from the Trump administration take effect, many communities may face legal uncertainties. Whether addressing issues related to civil rights, racial equity, or artistic expression, these legal resources can provide crucial support for individuals and organizations in Indiana.
Legal Assistance
for Indiana’s Arts and Culture Sector
Nonprofit Legal Defense Network
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Newly launched program Nonprofit Legal Defense Network. This network can help provide free legal advice as nonprofits face unprecedented challenges, from abrupt loss of grant funding, DEI programming, and threats to tax-exempt status to rapid shifts in laws and policies affecting their work.
Glick Philanthropies
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For nonprofits, community members, and peer funders
Glick Philanthropies created this page to share helpful resources they’ve come across.
Pro Bono Indiana Lawyers for the Arts
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Artists and small arts organizations seeking legal guidance can access free assistance through Pro Bono Indiana’s Lawyers for the Arts project. Support is available thanks to the Indiana Bar Foundation.
- Hours: Calls accepted Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (Central Time)
- Contact: Call 812.402.6303
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
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The Protecting and Advancing IDEA Pro Bono Initiative offers legal guidance for entities working to uphold racial diversity and inclusion efforts. Complete the intake form on their website to begin the process.
Local Resources
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These resources can help Indiana residents and organizations stay informed and legally protected as they respond to policy changes.
- LegiScan: Bringing People to the Process (Indiana Legislature)
- Indiana IDEA Legislation SB 289
- IPBS Bill Tracker
- Legislation and Advocacy Hub (ACLU of Indiana)
- IN State Bill Tracker (MadVoters)
- Litigation Tracker – Legal Challenges to Trump Administration Actions (Just Security)
Guidance
for Diverse Communities
Diverse Community Resources
- Art Equity BIPOC Surviving Predominantly White Institutions series (May through June)
- Guidance to Nonprofits Regarding Immigration Enforcement (December 2024) – Lawyers Alliance for New York provides legal guidance.
- Exodus Refugee Legal Program – Legal support for immigrants and refugees.
- CBCF Executive Order Tracker – Understanding What’s at Stake for Black America
- Rapid Assistance Security Initiative (RASI) – Neo Philanthropy – A national initiative offering grants and advisory support to strengthen security for nonprofits. Complete the intake form for assistance.
- Mashable: Resources for People Worried About President Trump’s Anti-LGBTQ Executive Orders – Information on rights and protections for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Indy Pride – Local resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Know Your Rights Information and Resources
- Exodus Refugee Know Your Rights – Guidance on interacting with ICE.
- Exodus Refugee Videos
- Red Cards / Tarjetas Rojas – The Immigrant Legal Resource Center’s (ILRC) Red Cards provide individuals with tools to assert their rights and navigate various situations.
- Family Resources: How to Respond to ICE – This resource outlines protocols for families to follow in the event of ICE activity in schools or nearby areas. It includes practical guidance for staying safe and is available in multiple languages.
- Know Your Rights Resources and Materials (iAmerica) – iAmerica provides a variety of resources, both printable and digital, to help individuals understand their rights and respond in different situations.
- Immigrant Rights (ACLU) – This resource offers general information on immigrant rights and provides a toolkit for responding to workplace raids.
- FAQs on Nonprofit and Small Business Rights with Respect to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Guidance for Personal Safety
- Surveillance Self-Defense: Tips, Tools and How-tos for Safer Online Communications
- Adjusting your privacy/security settings
- Keep your activity from being seen, targeted, and tracked
- Being safe during protests
- Protecting against hackers
A Nonprofit Checklist: Conducting a Risk Assessment for Federal Funding
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The Council on Nonprofits shares some initial steps that nonprofits can engage in to conduct a risk assessment as the Administration targets federal grants and contracts for termination. While the full steps that should be taken – and the rules that apply – will be specific to your grant, contract, organization, and the specific federal agency that provided the funding, the checklist will provide initial steps your organization can take and decisions you should consider.
navigating new executive orders
Using Your Nonprofit's Voice
Nonprofit organizations can advocate and lobby for issues that align with their values while remaining compliant with legal guidelines. Below are resources to help your nonprofit navigate advocacy efforts in this shifting policy landscape. By staying informed and actively engaging in advocacy, nonprofits can ensure their voices are heard and their missions remain strong in the face of evolving federal policies.
Resources
for nonprofits
Breaking News Updates Impacting the Arts & Culture
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With current events constantly impacting the arts and culture field, this page serves as a dedicated hub where the Americans for the Arts ACTION Fund will compile the latest updates, ensuring you stay informed and engaged with the issues that matter most.
Advocacy and Lobbying Guidelines for Nonprofits
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- Know Your Rights: How Much Can Tax-Exempt Groups Speak Out?
- Advocacy is Year-Round: What You Can Do for the Arts
- Playing Your Part: Guide to Public Policy Advocacy
- Multi-State Guidance Concerning Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Employment Initiatives
- Note: Guidance being provided by The Attorneys General of Massachusetts, Illinois, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont. This guidance may not apply to specific environment of Indiana.
- The Arts in Public Policy: The Art and America’s Bottom Line
Current Issues and Actions for Arts Nonprofits
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- Contact Congress in support of the NEA (National Endowment for the Arts)
- A Nonprofit Checklist: What to do When Your Federal Grant or Contract is Terminated (National Council of Nonprofits)
- American Alliance for Museums
- LegiScan: Bringing People to the Process (Indiana Legislature)
- Indiana IDEA Legislation SB 289 and SB 235
- IPBS Bill Tracker
Nonprofit Toolkit: Resources for organizations facing government investigations
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Nonprofit organizations are increasingly under threat from government officials who seek to score political points and silence checks on their own power. This toolkit offers best practices for responding to politicized government investigations so that organizations can keep doing lawful, mission-based work.
Civil Rights Messaging Toolkit
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The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, joined by more than 100 civil rights, faith and labor organizations, has released a unified statement titled “Civil Rights Groups Will Not Be Silenced” (read the full statement here) in response to the Trump administration’s exploitation of recent violence to threaten civil rights and nonprofit organizations.
Policy and Equity Resources for Nonprofits
- Executive Orders and Impacts: Comprehensive FAQ (Americans for the Arts)
- ABFE READI (Racial Equity Advancement and Defense Initiative)
- “Advancing Racial Equity” (Other and Belonging Institute)
- National Council of Nonprofits Executive Order Tracker – Stay updated on the latest federal policy changes affecting nonprofits.
- Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Guide to Recent Executive Orders – A breakdown of how the latest policies impact nonprofits nationwide.
- National Urban League: Demand Diversity Roundtable – Recording available on how nonprofits can respond to the administration’s stance on DEI policies.
Document List for Compliance with Nonprofit Laws
Keep these documents on hand to remain in compliance with nonprofit laws:
- Bylaws
- Articles of Incorporation
- Most recently filed 990 (public version)
- Policies on whistleblowers, document retention/destruction, conflict of interest, and executive compensation
A Nonprofit Checklist: What to do When Your Federal Grant or Contract is Terminated iie Artist Protection Fund
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The Artist Protection Fund (APF) is an initiative of IIE, sponsored by the Mellon and Ford Foundations. The APF makes fellowship grants to threatened artists from any field of practice, and places them at host institutions in safe countries where they can continue their work and plan for their futures. – not sure if this is relevant to our artists, but is an interesting model and could be relevant to organizations.
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