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 March 20, 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
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
- ACLU of Indiana Legislation and Advocacy Hub
- MadVoters IN State Bill Tracker
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.
- 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.
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
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
Advocacy and Lobbying Guidelines for Nonprofits
- 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
Learn More
- Contact Congress in support of the NEA (National Endowment for the Arts)
- American Alliance for Museums
- LegiScan: Bringing People to the Process – Indiana Legislature
- Indiana IDEA Legislation SB 289 and SB 235
- IPBS Bill Tracker
Policy and Equity Resources for Nonprofits
- Executive Orders and Impacts: Comprehensive FAQ (Americans for the Arts)
- ABFE READI (Racial Equity Advancement and Defense Initiative)
- 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
Looking for more resources?
Resources for Artists