A wetland restoration project in Harwich is currently on hold, along with plans for a community garden in Chelsea and a report on environmental toxins affecting Chelsea residents. These delays are part of a larger issue: federal funding has been unpredictably frozen since President Trump’s executive orders.
One significant order, “Unleashing American Energy,” paused billions allocated for various projects, causing panic among the nonprofits in Massachusetts that depend on these funds. Some projects have been halted as leaders worry they won’t be reimbursed for expenses or that funds could be retracted altogether.
Andrew Gottlieb, the executive director of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, expressed frustration over the situation: “I’m holding the bag on $17.5 million in NOAA grants I can’t access.” His organization had secured grants early in 2024 and 2025 for important wetland restoration efforts but is now left in limbo.
Despite their diligent planning to get contracts signed before the inauguration, Gottlieb and his team didn’t anticipate that the government wouldn’t honor these agreements. “We are just one of many facing this problem across the nation,” he noted.
In contrast, the Biden administration’s recent initiatives, like the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed to restore funding to many projects, including climate and environmental efforts in Massachusetts. Nonprofits, especially grassroots organizations, rely heavily on these promised funds. Brad Campbell, president of the Conservation Law Foundation, emphasized that many of these groups serve low-income communities and have developed programs based on expected federal support.
However, mixed signals from various agencies have left these organizations confused. Although two federal judges ordered that funds should be released, some agencies are still not complying, and there is widespread uncertainty about the future of these projects.
In Chelsea, the nonprofit GreenRoots had to pause efforts to renovate a community garden vital for 40 families, fearing they might not get reimbursement from a $60,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Executive director Roseann Bongiovanni described the situation as disheartening, as many in the community already struggle with food insecurity. “Our gardens are crucial for those in need,” she said.
Some nonprofits, however, decided not to wait. The Charles River Watershed Foundation and the Mystic River Watershed Association continue their projects despite the suspension of a $500,000 EPA grant. They prioritize their work, understanding that the issues they tackle are too important to delay.
Vikki Spruill, CEO of the New England Aquarium, shared a similar sentiment. Despite receiving substantial federal funding, the aquarium plans to continue its research on marine species, though there’s anxiety about potential budget cuts impacting their work.
Overall, these organizations face an uncertain path ahead. Leaders worry that ongoing disruptions could undermine their missions. Tim Johnson from Native Plant Trust voiced disappointment, stating, “This uncertainty distracts us from completing our mission.” Nonprofits across Massachusetts continue to navigate this challenging landscape, seeking clarity while trying to fulfill their essential roles in their communities.
