After Trump DEI crackdown, nonprofits quietly rewrite mission statements

Over 1,000 nonprofit organizations have removed or softened diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) language from their mission statements after the Trump administration ordered federal agencies to stop funding DEI programs.

A report from ProPublica found charities across the country rewrote the mission statements included in their annual tax forms following executive orders from President Donald Trump targeting discriminatory DEI practices tied to race and identity.

The administration warned organizations receiving federal funds could face investigations or funding losses if their programs violated civil rights law.

The changes cut across sectors and ideologies. Some nonprofits deleted words such as “equity,” “disadvantaged” or “underrepresented.” 

Others replaced them with broader phrases such as “for all” or “inclusive excellence.” In several cases, organizations also removed DEI sections from their websites or changed job titles tied to diversity initiatives. 

The American Athletic Conference, a collegiate sports conference, removed references to diversity and equity while keeping language about inclusion. UNICEF USA revised its mission statement to drop its goal of pursuing a more equitable world for every child. The National Association of Community Health Centers altered language that once emphasized what it calls medically underserved populations. 

ProPublica reported about half of the nonprofits that changed their language receive no federal funding. Others rely heavily on government grants and contracts. A sixth of the organizations reviewed reported receiving over $750,000 in federal funds last year. 

Trump administration officials have argued DEI programs often cross legal lines by treating people differently based on race rather than merit. Executive orders issued earlier this year labeled DEI initiatives as “pernicious discrimination.” 

Several organizations said the edits were strategic rather than ideological. 

Tom Fenstermaker, communications director for the American Athletic Conference, described the changes as “simply a change in words” while stressing continued commitment to the previous mission. 

Others were more direct about adapting to the Trump administration’s request. 

Lisa Doyle, head of the Galt Foundation, said adjusting language was necessary to keep programs operating. 

“We have a responsibility to adapt while staying true to our mission,” Doyle said. “So if we have to adapt our language to make sure that we’re able to continue to create that access then that’s what we need to do.” 

Supporters of the administration say the changes represent overdue accountability. They argue nonprofits should focus on serving people without ideological litmus tests or race-based preferences, especially when taxpayer dollars are involved.