Preliminary Injunction issued after Democracy Forward filed suit and secured a prior Temporary Restraining Order on behalf of the National Council of Nonprofits, the American Public Health Association, Main Street Alliance, and SAGE
Washington, DC — Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a preliminary injunction of the OMB’s freeze on federal grant disbursements that has put essential services across the nation in jeopardy, in response to a suit filed by Democracy Forward on behalf of the National Council of Nonprofits, the American Public Health Association, Main Street Alliance, and SAGE.
The motion filed by Democracy Forward sought to continue to block the White House Office of Management and Budget from pausing disbursements from all open agency grants and loans, as revealed in a memo issued January 27, 2025.
In her decision, United States District Judge Loren L. AliKhan said, “Defendants cannot pretend that the nationwide chaos and paralysis from two weeks ago is some distant memory with no bearing on this case… Plaintiffs have marshalled significant evidence indicating that the funding freeze would be economically catastrophic—and in some circumstances, fatal— to their members.”
“We are very pleased with the results of the preliminary injunction hearing,” said Michael Adams, SAGE CEO. “The suspension of the proposed federal funding freeze for the duration of our lawsuit allows SAGE to continue our mission to uplift and advocate for LGBTQ+ elders across the country. While we recognize this fight is far from over, we celebrate today’s important victory for our community’s elders, older Americans in general, and people who rely on essential government-funded services.”
“The preliminary injunction is a tremendous relief for thousands of nonprofit organizations throughout the country that are struggling to continue their vital work in the midst of the chaos and confusion caused by the administration’s attempted federal funding freezes. These organizations have been left to wonder whether they’ll be reimbursed for their vital work, or if they’ll need to shut down essential programs. OMB’s reckless federal funding freeze would cause catastrophic and irreversible harm to nonprofits and the communities and people they serve. This preliminary injunction allows such nonprofits to continue with their important work of providing wildfire mitigation, disaster relief, services to survivors of domestic violence, support for our nation’s veterans, and so much more.” said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits.
“The continued disbursement of these federal agency grants, previously authorized and funded by Congress, is imperative to the health of the nation,” said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association. “Today’s ruling is a major victory for the public’s health and the essential health services delivered by governmental and nongovernmental agencies.”
“We’ve been with small business owners on Capitol Hill all day today and a common refrain is the extent to which these freezes not only impact small business operations but also entire communities. This decision shows that organizing and targeted legal action are some of the most impactful ways to hold the Administration accountable for errant decision making that touches Main Street,” said Richard Trent, Main Street Alliance Executive Director.
“The Trump administration’s OMB grant freeze memo plunged people and communities across the country into chaos and uncertainty as they waited to see if critical programs would continue –from childcare, to eldercare, to food services, to health programs, to community initiatives,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “This preliminary injunction will allow our clients to continue to provide services to people across this country. We are pleased that the court issued this ruling, halting the Trump administration’s lawless attempt to harm everyday Americans in service of a political goal.”
Within hours of the OMB memo, plaintiffs filed suit and sought a Temporary Restraining Order in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. In response to the case, the Court issued an administrative stay, in one of the earliest moves to halt the Trump administration’s harmful policies. On January 29, the Administration purported to rescind its memo, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt citing the litigation as the administration’s reason. On February 3, a judge granted the Plaintiffs’ motion for a temporary restraining order.
# # #
About SAGE:
At SAGE, we envision a world where LGBTQ+ elders are valued, have limitless opportunities, and thrive. Since 1978, we have led the way in advocating for policies, services, and resources that empower LGBTQ+ elders to live openly and authentically. Our dedicated team members work nationally and globally to protect our rights, build health and longevity, and preserve the vibrancy of our community as we age. Each one of us has a place to create a bright and vibrant future for the LGBTQ+ community as each one of us lights the way for the next generation to follow. Learn more at sageusa.org.
About Democracy Forward:
Democracy Forward is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.
