Those who took a deep breath and exhaled upon learning a federal Office of Management and Budget memo to pause federal assistance had itself been paused might want to take another look at what happened anyway.

According to a report by WCHS-TV, some nonprofits in West Virginia are being forced to scale back and lay off employees, despite the OMB memo being rescinded. The Appalachian Center for Independent Living told WCHS it had to begin staff layoffs Jan. 31.

“Despite the withdrawal Tuesday night of the OMB Memo freezing all federal grant payments, the Center has received no disbursement of federal funds through the federal Payment Management System,” the agency said in the statement. “Funds on hand will not cover another pay period of full staffing, so layoffs were unavoidable. If and when funding is restored, the layoffs will be rescinded immediately and services restored.”

The center assists approximately 150 people living with disabilities in the Mountain State. Layoffs will affect approximately 60% of its staff.

Surely the center is not alone. And even if a nonprofit was not affected by any holdup in disbursement that may have accompanied the rescinded memo, there is always the chance that the Trump administration may restart the effort, in an attempt to ensure federal money is being spent in a way that aligns with the new administration’s priorities.

If you are someone who believes such an evaluation is necessary, and that some spending SHOULD be halted, fair enough. But given that you also likely understand the importance of the community support provided by our local and regional nonprofits, that means it’s time to put your money where your ideals are.

Neon One, a technology company that supports nonprofits, sent out a reminder at the end of January that now is the time for nonprofits to communicate with donors at all levels, reminding them about the positive work their gifts help get done in their communities. Similarly, Neon One recommended reaching out to private foundations that issue grants.

It’s a good strategy, but those who believe nonprofit organizations shouldn’t be dependent upon federal money shouldn’t need the reminder.

If you read about the OMB memo and instantly thought of a local nonprofit or two you were worried might be affected, do something about it — and make it a habit. They support too many of the most vulnerable in our communities for us not to support them.