Independent Sector collaboration with lawmakers on Nonprofit SEAT Act aims to ensure nation’s nonprofits can better serve their communities
(WASHINGTON, May 12, 2023) – Independent Sector joins more than 450 nonprofit organizations in supporting the introduction of The Nonprofit Stakeholders Engaging and Advancing Together (Nonprofit SEAT) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation, H.R. 3245, will increase collaboration between federal officials and nonprofits to better serve the sector and communities year-round, especially during emergencies.
The bill – introduced by Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Betty McCollum (D-MN) – establishes a formal relationship for new ongoing collaboration between the U.S. government and the nonprofit and charitable sector. This partnership will better enable the nation’s nonprofits to serve people in need and build stronger, healthier communities for the future.
“I want to express my gratitude to Rep. Mace and Rep. McCollum for introducing The Nonprofit SEAT Act,” said Dr. Akilah Watkins, president and CEO of Independent Sector. “Recovery efforts from recent natural disasters are an immediate and painful reminder that better coordination between the federal government and nonprofits can have a critical impact on the lives of real Americans. The Nonprofit SEAT Act would strengthen the 1.8 million nonprofits that already help virtually all Americans and represent 5.6% of the GDP, and it would improve the way government and charities work on the ground in communities across the country to support people in need.”
Specifically, the Nonprofit SEAT Act would create structures that:
- Establish an interagency council for federal agencies to coordinate their work with the nonprofit sector;
- Institute a federal advisory board of nonprofit leaders; and
- Secure a formal place for nonprofit expertise and input in the White House.
It also would strengthen the nonprofit sector’s relationship with the government and community by implementing policies that:
- Provide regular employment data on the nonprofit sector, the same as for-profit industries like manufacturing and retail;
- Direct the creation of a voluntary streamlined charitable registration system across states; and
- Create a commission on grant reform with strong representation from the nonprofit sector.
Bill supporters include more than 70 national organizations, as well as nonprofits of all sizes that have endorsed it. U.S. nonprofits are the third-largest employer of the private sector with more than 12 million employees and over 60 million volunteers. The nonprofit sector represents 5.6% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contributes over $1.5 trillion to the economy.
A copy of the legislation is available, as is a list of endorsers, and more general information about the bill.
Nonprofits that want to support the Nonprofit SEAT Act can do so by filling out this form.
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About the Nonprofit SEAT Act: The legislation prioritizes the needs and expertise of nonprofits and their communities, implementing better policy solutions at the highest levels of government. Establishing a “seat at the table,” increasing access to national service, and reducing the burden of fundraising and grants procedures will facilitate more efficient collaboration for stronger, more equitable communities.
Independent Sector is the only national membership organization that brings together a diverse community of changemakers at nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs working to ensure all people in the United States thrive. Learn more at independentsector.org.
Media Contact:
Kristina Gawrgy, 202-467-6144, media@independentsector.org
