As February unfolds in Washington, Congress is moving full speed on budget negotiations and early legislative priorities — decisions that will shape communities nationwide. But while floor votes and committee markups dominate the headlines, another February observance offers an important reminder about how change truly happens.
Random Acts of Kindness Week highlights something the charitable sector knows well: Meaningful progress doesn’t begin and end in the halls of Congress. It happens every day in communities across the country, where organizations and advocates translate policy into impact and compassion into action. At a moment when federal decisions and community must be closely intertwined, the throughline is clear — public policy sets the framework, but generosity, service, and collective care are what bring it to life.
The SAVE Act and the Future of Voter Access
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act (H.R. 7296), recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, now awaits consideration in the Senate. If enacted, the legislation would significantly alter how Americans register to vote in federal elections by requiring applicants to present specific physical proof of citizenship — such as a passport or birth certificate — in person.
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, more than 21 million Americans do not have immediate access to documentary proof of citizenship. The bill would exclude commonly used forms of identification, such as REAL IDs, and would effectively eliminate online and mail-based voter registration by requiring in-person document verification. These changes could disenfranchise eligible citizens who cannot easily obtain the required documentation or travel to election offices.
Beyond individual barriers, Independent Sector recently opposed a version of the SAVE Act because it would have sweeping implications for nonprofit organizations engaged in voter registration and civic participation. Mail-in and third-party voter registration drives — longstanding tools for expanding access — would become largely unworkable under the proposed framework. The legislation would also place significant new administrative burdens on election officials.
At stake is not only how Americans register to vote, but whether the community-based infrastructure that supports broad civic participation can continue to function effectively. Ensuring election integrity and protecting voter access are not mutually exclusive goals, but policies that restrict access risk sidelining eligible voters and undermining the nonprofit sector’s vital role in strengthening democracy.
House Hearing Signals Continued Scrutiny for Nonprofits
Earlier this month, the House Ways and Means Committee convened a hearing examining foreign influence in American nonprofits, the latest in a series of inquiries focused on funding flows within tax-exempt organizations. While transparency and accountability are essential pillars of public trust, the tone of the hearing reflected a growing narrative that casts suspicion on the charitable sector’s legitimate international partnerships.
Some members of the committee characterized certain cross-border financial relationships as potential national security risks. This framing risks conflating lawful global philanthropic collaboration with illicit foreign interference. Many nonprofits operate across borders to advance humanitarian relief, public health, education, democracy-building, and other globally interconnected missions. Treating standard international grantmaking and partnerships as inherently suspect could create a chilling effect on organizations engaged in this work and restrict the availability of critical humanitarian aid.
Beyond rhetoric, the posture signals the possibility of a more aggressive regulatory environment ahead — one that could subject globally engaged nonprofits to heightened scrutiny and expanded compliance burdens. As policymakers examine the safeguards already in place, it will be critical to ensure that efforts to protect national interests do not unintentionally undermine the charitable sector’s ability to collaborate internationally and deliver impact both at home and abroad.
DHS Funding Lapses Amid Stalled Negotiations
Since February 14, the federal government has been operating under a partial shutdown due to an appropriations battle centered on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Earlier this year, following the January 7 killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis and the subsequent killing of fellow Minnesotan Alex Pretti just three weeks later, lawmakers opted to separate DHS funding from the broader appropriations package. While other federal agencies received extended funding, DHS was funded only through February 13; that extension has now expired.
Negotiations to fund DHS for the remainder of the fiscal year have thus far yielded little progress. In the aftermath of the killings of two American citizens, Democrats on Capitol Hill have stated they will oppose advancing DHS funding absent changes to the administration’s immigration enforcement policies and oversight practices. Republicans, meanwhile, have pushed to move forward with full-year funding. As the impasse continues, key DHS operations remain affected, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already complex appropriations landscape.
Defending Mission-Driven Giving
Earlier this month, Independent Sector and the Council on Foundations filed an amicus brief in American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Hispanic Scholarship Fund, underscoring a fundamental principle: Charitable organizations must retain the right to direct their resources in ways that advance their lawful missions. The filing seeks to ensure that the court fully considers the broader implications of this case for philanthropy and the nonprofit sector.
At issue is more than a single scholarship program. The challenge raises significant questions about the autonomy of grantmaking institutions and attempts to apply statutes governing commercial contracts to a sphere they were never intended to regulate — charitable generosity. Expanding commercial legal frameworks into philanthropic decision-making would create substantial uncertainty for nonprofits and could have far-reaching consequences for mission-driven initiatives — from targeted scholarships and disaster relief to faith-based and community-specific programs.
Through this brief, Independent Sector and our partners are reaffirming the First Amendment protections that safeguard charitable expression and association. Protecting the ability of nonprofits to give in alignment with their missions is essential to preserving a vibrant, responsive charitable sector — one capable of meeting diverse community needs without unwarranted interference.
Reconciliation Rumblings Fade — for Now
In recent weeks, there have been quiet rumblings on Capitol Hill about the possibility of Congress pursuing another budget reconciliation package to follow up on H.R. 1 passed last year. While early speculation suggested lawmakers might attempt a second large-scale legislative vehicle to advance unfinished priorities, more recent reporting indicates that neither congressional leadership nor the White House currently has the appetite to move another sweeping package forward. With midterm elections approaching, political bandwidth is tightening, and appetite for a partisan-heavy reconciliation fight appears limited. Of course, dynamics can shift quickly in Washington, but as it stands today, it seems unlikely that Congress will find itself embroiled in another major reconciliation battle this year.
Happening Soon: 23rd Annual Foundations on the Hill 2026
Registration is still open for the 23rd annual Foundations on the Hill 2026, hosted by United Philanthropy Forum in partnership with Independent Sector and Council on Foundations. 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 now 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
