Federal Funding Freeze Disrupts Rural Organizations

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Nonprofit organizations across the country were plunged into uncertainty after the White House froze spending on federal loans and grants two weeks ago. The Trump administration’s order created chaos for nonprofits in the poorest, most rural states, like West Virginia. That state’s reliance on federal funds to help address deeply ingrained issues makes it particularly vulnerable to the sweeping actions. An economic development organization had to pause projects revitalizing abandoned coal-era factories and installing solar panels. An organization supporting young adults transitioning from foster care had to freeze funding it planned to use for school mental health support.