Nonprofit in Arkansas fires 90% of its employees due to a federal funding freeze

Little Rock, Arkansas – Nonprofits in Arkansas that rely on federal grants and loans were hit with yet another wave of emotions when the White House revoked a directive on Wednesday that froze them.

Up until recently, Shamara Frazier was employed at the American Indian Center of Arkansas (AICA).

“As a group, we were called in, and 90% of our employees were let go,” Frazier stated.

The AICA is a nonprofit organization, and federal grants fund its employees. Its goal is to assist people through initiatives funded by federal funds.

The government funding pause was lifted almost two days after the order was issued.

“Even though we think it’s the other way around right now, these two days had a huge impact on a lot of things going forward,” Frazier stated. “There are participants whose livelihoods depend on the funds they were supposed to receive from us through our grants.”

Frazier stated that although the suspension has been lifted, the financing has not been reinstated, so she is uncertain about what lies next.