DOGE Starts Trying to Plant Itself in Every Non-Profit Getting Federal Funds

Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” began trying to insert its people into independent non-profit organizations which receive federal funding.

DOGE is a subset of a White House IT team, not a government department.

Vera Institute of Justice, a criminal justice non-profit based in New York, says DOGE told them it would put some of its people into their organization because they receive federal funding. The organization works with law enforcement and public agencies to develop alternative programs for mental health crises or traffic violations. It also supports access to legal counsel for immigrants who are threatened with deportation. Vera’s yearly budget of $45 million comes mostly from private sources.

Vera’s lawyers questioned the legal basis for DOGE’s intentions. When they informed DOGE that the Department of Justice terminated their federal grants, DOGE pulled back from putting its people into the organization.

The way DOGE presented itself made clear that they intend to intrude into every non-profit that receives federal funding. DOGE’s takeover of the grants.gov website gives them complete visibility into what federal grants are available, which organizations apply for them, which organizations ultimately receive the grants. It may also allow them to tamper with the grant awarding process.

The National Council of Nonprofits released the following statement in response to this episode:

Many nonprofits receive federal funds to deliver vital services to local communities across the country that are often overlooked and underserved by federal and state governments alike. These organizations are entrusted with federal resources to help fill the gaps where government support falls short.

The attempted intrusion by DOGE—a temporary, un-elected and non-Congressionally approved agency—toward the Vera Institute should alarm every American. This action by DOGE sets a dangerous precedent, leaving any recipient of federal funding — nonprofit, for-profit, and individuals alike — vulnerable to the whims of this destructive group. DOGE and The Trump Administration’s professed commitment to free speech and financial efficiency falls flat when their actions selectively target and weaken groups whose missions they may oppose. This isn’t a defense of liberty or fiscal responsibility—it is selective censorship masquerading as reform. These attacks unfairly undermine the hardworking, underpaid, and mission-driven individuals dedicated to improving the places we call home.

We applaud and stand with the Vera Institute in fighting back against this blatant abuse of power. We urge individuals, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses alike to raise their voices against these authoritarian and bullying tactics.

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