November is National Roasting Month — the perfect excuse to toss some veggies in the oven and call it self-care. But let’s be honest: Roasting isn’t limited to what’s in the pan. After the longest government shutdown in history finally ended, Congress is looking a little well-done. Unfortunately, this particular roast left a lot of families and nonprofits burned as well.
Still, while the political temperature starts to come down, the charitable sector is heating up for all the right reasons. As we head into giving season, organizations are doing what they always do best — finding ways to meet needs, rebuild trust, and keep communities fed, connected, and cared for, no matter what’s happening under the dome.
Here’s what’s been cooking across the sector this month:
Federal Shutdown Ends — For Now
The record breaking 43-day government shutdown concluded on November 13 when President Trump signed a short-term government funding bill passed by Congress earlier that week. While this action immediately restored government operations, the underlying political tensions remain, as the fundamental long-term funding and policy disagreements are merely deferred until early 2026. A key provision of the bill authorized back pay for all 1.4 million federal employees who were either furloughed or worked without compensation during the shutdown. In addition, the legislation provided funding extensions for the majority of federal agencies, maintaining their previous operational levels only until January 30, 2026; the enacted continuing resolution now sets up another critical funding deadline early in the new year.
The bill restored full funding to the vital SNAP program, restoring benefits for its approximately 42 million recipients who had lost access to food security, a gap the charitable sector was actively filling. A notable new inclusion to the funding package was dedicated security funding aimed at enhancing the protection of lawmakers, executive branch officials, judges, and Supreme Court justices. However, the compromise did not include the proposed health care subsidies, leaving this significant policy issue for a separate vote scheduled to happen next month. As a result, millions of Americans could face substantial increases in their health care premiums beginning in 2026.
PSLF Rule Change Raises New Risks for Nonprofits
On October 30, the Department of Education (ED) finalized a major change to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program — one that gives ED new authority to disqualify certain nonprofit employers it determines have a “substantial illegal purpose.” This rule, which takes effect July 1, 2026, departs from the long-standing statutory standard that all 501(c)(3) organizations qualify as PSLF employers. Despite extensive opposition from nonprofits, labor organizations, cities, and state attorneys general, ED preserved broad and undefined discretion that could allow future administrations to target nonprofits whose work is lawful but politically disfavored. ED insists the rule will affect fewer than 10 employers a year, but the vague language and inconsistent legal references create real uncertainty for organizations providing services — including immigrant-serving organizations and providers of gender-affirming care — whose missions depend on staff eligible for PSLF. Independent Sector has produced a detailed explainer breaking down the rule, the risks, and the legal questions ahead.
For employees, the stakes are equally high. Under the new rule, any payments made after an employer is disqualified would stop counting toward the required 120 payments for forgiveness, and ED provides no path for individual workers to appeal if their employer is removed from the program. Payments made before July 1, 2026, are protected, but beyond that point, both nonprofits and their staff may face new uncertainty for engaging in activities fully lawful under federal or state law. Litigation is already underway, with multiple lawsuits seeking to block or vacate the regulation.
Registration Now Open: 23rd Annual Foundations on the Hill 2026
Registration is now live for the 23rd annual Foundations on the Hill 2026, hosted by United Philanthropy Forum in partnership with Council on Foundations and Independent Sector. Set for March 16–19, 2026 in Washington, D.C., this four-day event is an opportunity for philanthropic leaders, policy advocates, and sector partners to come together, strengthen our collective voice, and advance community well-being through coordinated advocacy.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this landmark moment — with over 400 thought-leaders, more than 250 strategic Capitol Hill and agency meetings, and a full agenda designed to build long-term sector readiness. Whether you’re representing a foundation, infrastructure organization, or nonprofit partner, registering early ensures you’ll secure a spot and help shape how the sector shows up in Washington together.
Travis Swanson is the Government Relations Manager at Independent Sector
