CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Organizations and higher educational institutions are addressing confusion surrounding a recent Trump administration order, which placed a temporary pause on federal grants and loans.
In the Charlotte area, this has sparked wide-ranging questions on everything from Medicaid and federal housing, to additional student loan programs and funding for food programs that help low-income families.
The Charlotte-based Nourish Up, formerly known as Loaves and Fishes and Friendship Trays, is a local Meals On Wheels member, and said they are seeking “clarity” on the status of the program’s funding.
UPDATE | Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump admin’s freeze on federal grants, loans
“I think there are a lot of unknowns out there,” said CEO Tina Postel. “Every nonprofit executive that I know is watching the news closely, for more information on how this might impact organizations like ours, but ultimately how it might impact the people that we’re trying to help.”
Postel noted that federal funding makes up a small part of Nourish Up’s overall funding, but noted that the funding can take up a larger percentage for other similar, smaller organizations.
The Trump Administration’s announcement of a pause on federal grants and loans has led to questions from the organizations, but also those who take advantage of those federally-funded programs.
“We are actively answering phone lines right now from people who are concerned about what their future looks like. Are they going to be able to put food on their table?” said Postel.
The order has been cited as being broad, with additional details on the exceptions only coming out after the announcement.
Colleges and universities were also wondering what the pause meant for them until late Tuesday morning when the Education Department indicated that Pell Grant and student loan programs would not be affected by the pause.
QCNEWS.COM
POLITICS NEWS
When asked further about individual universities in the Charlotte area regarding any federally-funded research programs that may receive grants, Queen City News was told by one higher educational institution that there was no impact, while another was working on getting a direct answer.
The UNC System itself responded to Queen City News’ request for comment, making a statement that, “we are monitoring proposed changes in federal policy and assessing areas where we might need to respond or adjust.”
U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican serving North Carolina, told reporters Tuesday that he had his own concerns about what the pause meant for federal housing.
U.S. Rep. Tim Moore, a Republican serving North Carolina’s 14th District, issued a press release Tuesday afternoon indicating the pause in grants and loans does not affect FEMA assistance.
