Public policy news and updates for the philanthropic sector

May 31, 2024

What's Happening This Week...

• What We're Tracking in DC
• Federal Government Engagement Opportunities
• Happening in the States
• News, Resources, and Events

What We're Tracking in DC

Neither the House nor the Senate are in Washington D.C. this week. Both chambers return next week.

Sector Letter to Ways and Means Committee

Earlier this week, the Council partnered with Independent Sector, National Council of Nonprofits, and United Philanthropy Forum to send a letter to the Ways and Means Committee detailing our concerns with H.R.8290 and H.R.8293. Our team continues to monitor this and all legislation impacting the sector, and we will provide updates in future editions of Snapshot. Contact govt@cof.org or reply to this email if you have questions.  

Federal Government Updates and Opportunities

• The Economic Development Administration (EDA) partnered with the Brookings Institution to examine the impact of place-based investing.
• The IRS announced that it will make Direct File a permanent option for taxpayers and expand its availability.
• The EDA and the Department of Agriculture released a guide detailing rural economic development opportunities in both English and Spanish. Nonprofits are eligible for many of these programs, as are state, local, and Tribal governments.  

Happening in the States

State Tax Changes Affecting Nonprofit Tax Exemptions

Every year, legislatures consider adjusting sales and property tax exemptions affecting charitable nonprofits. 2024 is no different. Maine recently enacted legislation exempting 501(c)(3) nonprofits from sales taxes on purchases of property or services used primarily for the purpose for which the organization was organized. Provisions in Minnesota and Mississippi tax bills seek to remove property tax exemptions from certain charitable organizations unless the properties’ use is in the furtherance of the tax-exempt purpose.

State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Still Available

Time is running out for charitable nonprofits to access State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). Many governments still have unobligated (written agreements or commitments to spend) SLFRF resources, and decisionmakers continue to debate how to allocate remaining funds before December 31, 2024. Foundations have played a role in helping grantees and communities access SLFRF and can continue to use their resources to leverage these funds to have a greater impact in communities.

News & Resources

• Why Are People So Down About the Economy? Theories Abound, New York Times
• This Network Wants to Galvanize Philanthropy in an Underfunded Region, Inside Philanthropy
• How climate philanthropy can solve its innovation challenge, DevEx
• How One NGO Flipped Philanthropy On Its Head To Create Better Results, Forbes 

Keep in Touch!

Please feel free to reach out to any of us on the Government Relations Team with comments or concerns, or to share an issue, article, event, or op-ed you would like to see covered in a future Washington Snapshot.

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