Nonprofit Policy Issues
We work with nonprofits, philanthropies, corporations, and lawmakers to support policy solutions and legislation that advance the common good and create healthy, equitable communities where everyone thrives.
Policy Issues in Focus
A permanent charitable deduction for taxpayers will benefit nonprofits working to strengthen communities. A 2021 public opinion poll by Independent Sector found 9 out of 10 voters support this incentive to improve civil society.
This initiative – through executive order and legislation – seeks to establish structural mechanisms for the social sector to help shape and improve federal policies that support communities.
The Nonprofit Infrastructure Coalition (NIC) engages diverse sector leaders to identify, and advocate for, federal investments to rebuild the nation in the wake of COVID-19, uneven economic times, and racial injustice.
While some nonprofits are aware that they may not support or oppose candidates for public office, the scope of what charities are permitted to do when it comes to nonpartisan election-related activities has long remained unclear.
Elections have a direct impact on fundamental issues related to the quality of life for communities nationwide and nonprofits’ ability to pursue our charitable missions. Nonprofits can ensure our investment and work have maximum impact by weighing-in on voting and election policies that support our mission and communities.
Given its central role in so many aspects of American life, it is essential that the U.S. government provide more regular, accurate and accessible data on nonprofit employment and wage trends. For nonprofits and policymakers to assess needs and design effective policies, the Bureau of Labor Statistics must provide quarterly data on nonprofit employment and wages.
With the incredible challenges presented over the last few years volunteers have been relied on more and more by mission-driven organizations to implement solutions, provide services, and help their neighbors and communities. Without infrastructure to sustain volunteer engagement, nonprofit organizations will continue to face an increase in demand, limited resources, and reduced staffing capacity.
Overtime rules ensure that workers who are paid hourly wages or who earn salaries below a certain threshold are entitled to time-and-a-half pay for time worked beyond 40 hours in a given week. Historically, the salary threshold has been a fixed amount that does not change with inflation but is updated periodically by regulations. Updates to overtime rules require delicate considerations from policymakers, nonprofit organizations and their workers.
Nonprofit organizations, despite being major employers and economic contributors, are excluded from numerous employer tax incentives available to for-profit companies. This disparity hampers nonprofits’ ability to hire, retain, and support their workforce, which makes up over 10% of non-governmental jobs in the United States. To address this problem, Congress should expand the eligibility criteria of certain federal workforce tax incentives to include nonprofits.
Nonprofit Policy Resources
Our resources provide details and histories about legislative issues important to the social sector.
