- Office of the Attorney General
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Sabrina Zafar , Deputy Press Secretary
BOSTON — Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell today launched a webinar series, “Navigating the Changing Non-Profit Landscape,” to help address the needs of non-profit and charitable organizations amidst changes in federal policy and funding. The series is designed to provide updated information and resources to enable non-profit organizations to navigate a range of challenges, including those related to federal funding cuts and a shift in federal policies surrounding immigration; diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA); and more.
“As the Trump Administration continuously attempts to illegally terminate federal funds and take other unlawful actions that impact the non-profit sector, organizations across the Commonwealth are faced with new challenges, questions, and uncertainty,” said AG Campbell. “As my office continues our work to hold the Administration accountable, I am proud to launch this webinar series to help non-profits navigate this shifting landscape and ensure they are able to continue the essential work of serving our communities.”
During today’s launch of the webinar series, AG Campbell and members of the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) shared resources and updated legal guidance relevant to non-profits.
General Resources for Non-Profits and Charities
The AGO’s Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division highlighted the below existing resources relevant to non-profits and charities. These and additional relevant resources are available on the AGO’s website here.
- Attorney General’s Guide for Board Members of Charitable Organizations
- Introduction to Charitable Compliance
- Attorney General Guidance on Endowments for Charities Facing Financial Challenges
- Asset Sale Guidance under General Law Chapter 180, § 8A(c)
- Asset Transfer Guidance under Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association v. Beede, 320 Mass. 601 (1947)
- Guidance on Dissolving a Charity
DEIA Guidance
The AGO’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office underscored its guidance affirming the rights of workplaces and educational institutions, including non-profit organizations, to implement legally compliant diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives, despite rhetoric and actions by the federal administration seeking to undermine such efforts.
In February 2025, AG Campbell co-led a coalition of attorneys general in issuing guidance to help businesses, non-profits, and other organizations understand the viability and importance of DEIA policies and practices in creating and maintaining legally compliant and thriving workplaces.
In March 2025, AG Campbell co-led a coalition of attorneys general in issuing guidance to ensure K-12 schools, colleges, and universities across the nation understand the legality, viability, and importance of DEIA policies and practices in education.
Immigration Guidance
The AGO’s Civil Rights Division highlighted the AGO’s “Know Your Rights” guidance to help immigrants, families, and communities understand their rights and the basic legal framework for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions. The AGO released the guidance in May 2025 in response to an increase in questions regarding the actions of ICE, the role of local police, and what people should know when they or others are approached by immigration officers.
Additional AGO resources related to immigration may be viewed here.
During the webinar launch, AG Campbell and her team also provided an overview of the range of lawsuits filed by the AGO to hold the current federal administration accountable for various unlawful actions, including funding cuts that have harmed non-profits, their programs, and the communities they serve. These include ongoing lawsuits to halt the unlawful termination of federal programs or withholding of essential federal funds by the Office of Management and Budget, National Institutes of Health, Department of Education, Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Federal Emergency Management Agency, among others. In April 2025, AG Campbell also filed a lawsuit challenging the administration’s dismantling of AmeriCorps and the termination of millions of dollars in grant funding to non-profits across the country. While these lawsuits are ongoing, AG Campbell has successfully secured multiple court orders blocking the administration’s unlawful actions as the lawsuits proceed.
A recording of today’s webinar session may be viewed here.
Future sessions of the AGO’s “Navigating the Changing Non-Profit Landscape” webinar series include:
- Organizational Restructuring, Strategic Affiliations, or Wind-down – September 25 (11am)
- Restricted Funds: Endowments and Fund Modifications – October 21 (11am)
- Advice for Smaller Volunteer-Led Organizations – November 18 (11am)
Information regarding additional future webinar sessions may be made available on the AGO’s website here.
The AGO’s Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division (NPCD) oversees non-profits, charitable organizations, and paid fundraisers in Massachusetts. The Division ensures appropriate use of charitable assets, investigates allegations and initiates enforcement actions in cases of breach of fiduciary duty, and supports transparency through publication of filed reports and forms. More information regarding NPCD, including resources for existing charities, may be found on the AGO’s website. Individuals with inquiries or complaints about non-profits or charities should call NPCD at 617-963-2101 or file a complaint online.
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