135: One Big Nugget | What Nonprofits Need to Know About DEI & Trump's Executive Order

135: One Big Nugget | What Nonprofits Need to Know About DEI & Trump's Executive Order

Author: Jess Birken, MNM, JD April 3, 2025 Duration: 16:20

It's Jess Birken here, and I'm thrilled to have you join me and Meghan for this episode of Charity Therapy. We're diving into the world of DEI (that's diversity, equity, and inclusion), specifically about the Trump administration's Executive Order 14151, which is causing quite a stir. 

In this episode, we're tackling the fears and misconceptions head-on. We've got a listener question - is it still allowed to start a nonprofit that focuses on BIPOC access in the arts? Short answer? Yes! But we'll talk about what the executive order IS doing to nonprofits who focus on DEI. Plus, we'll chat about why it's crucial to get accurate info and not just rely on the latest social media buzz. Remember, it's all about staying informed and confident in your mission, even when things seem a bit uncertain.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? You're definitely not alone. We all need a reminder to pause, breathe, and reach out for support when things get tough. So, let's get comfy and have a real talk about navigating these challenges together. And hey, if you know someone who needs a bit of encouragement, share this episode with them. We're all in this nonprofit journey together, and I'm here to help guide you through it.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • What Executive Order 14151 means for DEI in the federal government 

  • Whether nonprofits can still support DEI initiatives in 2025 and beyond

  • Common misconceptions about DEI 

  • The real effect of Trump's EO for nonprofits working with marginalized communities

Resources from this Episode

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.


Ever find yourself wishing for a direct line to seasoned nonprofit leaders, a chance to unpack the real challenges that don’t make it into the glossy annual reports? Charity Therapy is that conversation. With host Jess Birken, who brings her background as a lawyer and a Master of Nonprofit Management to the table, each session feels like pulling up a chair with a trusted advisor. The discussions move beyond theory, tackling the granular details of operations that leaders actually face-whether it’s navigating a tricky IRS compliance question, rebuilding a fundraising strategy from the ground up, or managing the complex interpersonal dynamics that define any mission-driven team. This podcast digs into the operational heart of the sector, offering pragmatic insights you can apply directly to your own work. It’s a resource built on the understanding that running a nonprofit is a continuous practice of problem-solving, and Jess guides these explorations with clarity and a deep respect for the work. Tune in for honest dialogue that treats the daily grind of management as the serious and nuanced craft that it is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Charity Therapy
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