Nonprofits and charities across the U.S. are scrambling to understand the potential fallout from President Trump’s freeze on federal grants and aid programs. Many organizations, which rely on these funds to support low-income families and vulnerable groups, fear they may have to scale back critical services like meals, job placement, and health care.

The lack of clarity in the administration’s order has left hospitals, housing assistance programs, and educational initiatives like Head Start in limbo. These programs help prepare low-income children for school and provide essential support to communities in need. Without clear guidance, nonprofits are uncertain when—or if—the funding will resume.

Claudia Raymer, who runs the Ohio County Family Resource Network in Wheeling, West Virginia, described the situation as “chaos in the nonprofit world.” Her organization offers meals, family support, and job placement services, all of which could be at risk if federal dollars don’t come through.

The administration’s memo cited goals like reducing inflation, improving efficiency, and ending what it called “wokeness” and “Marxist equity” policies. However, nonprofits argue that these funds are essential for improving the daily lives of those they serve.

For now, organizations and the millions of Americans who depend on their services are left wondering what the future holds. The freeze has sparked widespread concern, leaving many to worry about losing access to crucial assistance.