Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Strengthen Link Between Nonprofit Sector and Federal Government

Congresswoman Betty McCollum

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) and Congressman Fred Upton (MI-06) have introduced the Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act of 2022 to strengthen the nonprofit sector and its relationship with the federal government. The legislation will improve access to data about the nonprofit sector, and leverage the mission, knowledge, and impact of thousands of nonprofits to work together more effectively in pursuit of shared goals.

“In my home state of Minnesota, the nonprofit sector makes up nearly 14 percent of our workforce and generates $66 billion in annual revenue – which is why it is so important that the sector has a seat at the table when it comes to federal lawmaking,” Rep. Betty McCollum said. “Federal government, state, and local governments rely on the nonprofit sector and its ability to harness and direct the generosity, service, and volunteerism of the American people. Just as small businesses have the Small Business Administration (SBA) to facilitate access to federal resources, the nonprofit sector should be afforded this same level of support. I’m grateful to Independent Sector and other nonprofit leaders who have helped shape this idea into the legislation we’ve introduced today. Together, we can establish mechanisms that will enable nonprofits to better serve our communities.”

“Southwest Michigan is home to so many life-changing and sustaining nonprofits. The Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act of 2022 will give nonprofits a seat at the table,” said Rep. Upton. “This legislation builds on the success Michigan and other states have had to ensure that nonprofits have a voice and their important work is not hindered by a lack of communication with legislators and officials. It will empower nonprofits and benefit communities across our country.”

“We’re grateful for the vision and leadership of Representatives Betty McCollum and Fred Upton in introducing this bill, and we look forward to rallying behind them in the days and weeks to come,” said Daniel J. Cardinali, President and CEO of Independent Sector. “The Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act of 2022 will enable our nation’s nonprofits and the more than 12 million workers that our sector employs to do more of what they do best: helping people through service, charity, and compassion so that all people can thrive. This bill addresses a long-standing need for structures and policies that allow our nation’s nonprofits to share regular feedback and advice to the federal government during policymaking. It’s an immense step for nonprofits, the nation, and our communities.”

“The Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act of 2022 goes to the heart of many challenges charitable nonprofits providing essential services on behalf of governments have faced for decades,” Tim Delaney, President and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits said. “Those challenges range from haphazard guidance and lax enforcement of government-nonprofit grantmaking protections, to inadequate reporting of data regarding nonprofits that policymakers and nonprofits themselves need to make informed decisions. The National Council of Nonprofits endorses this legislation because it promotes a stronger partnership between charitable nonprofits and the federal government to advance the public good.”

“The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits is grateful for Representative McCollum’s support of our sector,” said Nonoko Sato, Executive Director of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. “Elected officials benefit from the experience and wisdom of nonprofits, and permanent seat at the proverbial table creates a pathway of communication. In turn, this legislation will benefit communities across our great state and the whole country.”

“The Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act of 2022 offers the opportunity for collaboration and mutual benefit between the Federal government and the nonprofit sector, ultimately benefiting communities across the country,” said Susie Brown, President of the Minnesota Council on Foundations. “The introduction of this bill reflects more than a decade of work by Rep. Betty McCollum, who has a long history of championing issues of importance for nonprofits and foundations.”

“Americans trust nonprofits to strengthen our communities through the vital resources they provide,” said Kelley J. Kuhn, president and CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association. “With the Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act of 2022, nonprofit leaders will formally join policymakers to offer their expertise and experience. We are grateful to Rep. Fred Upton for his tireless efforts on behalf of the nonprofit sector in Michigan and across the country.”

“Our sector—foundations and nonprofits alike—has long been seeking an established and formal partnership with government that the Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act of 2022 will create,” Kyle Caldwell, president and CEO, Council of Michigan Foundations said. “We are grateful for the leadership of Congressman Fred Upton for co-sponsoring this important legislation. We know government needs good data, our active voice and our meaningful engagement. Creating a seat at the table for the nonprofit sector will ensure we can work alongside government to more effectively serve communities in ways that lead toward more equitable outcomes.”

Background:

Find the full text of the Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act of 2022 here. Find more information, including endorsing organizations, a fact sheet, and a section-by-section summary of the bill here. Information from Independent Sector on the bill is available here.

Source: Betty McCollum

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