Letter of Support
Dear Representative McCollum and Representative Upton,
The nonprofit sector is an economic powerhouse, a trusted community touchstone and service provider, and a critical ally in designing and implementing the work of government. We – the undersigned nonprofit and philanthropic organizations – write to offer our support for the Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act, which would establish government structures and policies that deepen this relationship and help nonprofits achieve their missions.
Over the past two years, nonprofits have served on the front lines as America faces generational health, economic, and social crises. Nonprofits have adapted to disrupted operations and lost revenue while facing increased need in the community. While these challenges may be a poignant reminder of our sector’s importance, nonprofits have been delivering concrete outcomes for Americans for centuries.
Whether they offer housing, nutrition, health, education, disaster relief, artistic inspiration, spiritual wellbeing, conservation or any number of other essential services, nonprofits are woven into and reflect the communities they serve. They work every day to improve lives and build a brighter future. Although they exist to advance a charitable mission, nonprofits have tremendous economic impact as the nation’s third largest employer and generate nearly 6% of GDP.
The Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act creates mechanisms that leverage the mission, knowledge, and impact of nonprofits to help government and the sector work together more effectively in pursuit of shared goals. The proposed White House Office on Nonprofit Sector Partnership and the Interagency Council will allow policymakers access to data, reporting, and frontline, community-specific expertise from nonprofits so they can better assist constituents. These bodies, along with a federal Advisory Board made up of nonprofit leaders, will also ensure nonprofits nationwide are better equipped to quickly turn ideas into action.
Additionally, we greatly appreciate other key policy changes contained in the legislation: releasing quarterly economic data on the nonprofit sector in the same way as other industries, reducing paperwork for nonprofits to register and fundraise in multiple states, increasing access to national service, streamlining federal grant processes, and recommending clearer rules on nonprofit civic engagement. Taken together, these policies will make our sector stronger and enable nonprofits to better serve their communities by scaling effective solutions, cutting red tape, and meeting the unique needs of nonprofit workers.
Nonprofits have the skills, tools, and trusted status needed to make a lasting difference in their communities. As Americans stare down an uncertain future, it has never been more important to develop and strengthen relationships between the government and the nonprofit sector. Your legislation represents a momentous step toward that goal, and we look forward to working for its enactment.
Signed,