Council Connection: Updates for Council Members

Public policy news and updates for the philanthropic sector

Happening at the Council

It’s almost August and as Congress adjourns for its August recess, this will be our last Snapshot of the summer. We’ll continue to track developments from Capitol Hill, the Biden-Harris administration, and other policy developments for their impact on the sector and share as needed. We’ll be back after Labor Day to keep you updated on what’s happening here in the nation’s capital.  

What We're Tracking in DC

Ways and Means Committee Hearing

On July 23, the House Ways and Means Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight convened a hearing titled “Fueling Chaos: Tracing the Flow of Tax-Exempt Dollars to Antisemitism.” With recent protests on college campuses as the backdrop, members expressed concern with the flow of funding from foreign sources or adversaries into domestic tax-exempt organizations, and then onto other entities that may support antisemitism or terrorist organizations.

Several members highlighted their concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding foreign funding of U.S. universities, with Qatar and China being named as sizeable contributors throughout the hearing.

Increased public reporting and disclosure, loss of tax-exempt status, greater penalties, and enforcing and strengthening current law were proposed remedies the witnesses emphasized could shine a light on the sources of funding tax-exempt organizations receive, where it is going, what it is used for, and how it benefits the public good. We expect the Committee to remain engaged in this space as it gears up to address expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act next year. 

Federal Government Updates and Opportunities

  • The Biden-Harris administration announced the launch of Energy Communities AmeriCorps, a project aimed at advancing economic development and environmental remediation plans in energy communities. The initiative is a public-private partnership funded in part by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
  • The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) posted a Notice of Funding Opportunity for its Continuum of Care Builds initiative, which aims to build permanent supportive housing to address homelessness in certain geographic areas. Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.
  • The Department of Commerce partnered with philanthropy and the private sector to convene a National Child Care Innovation Summit.  

Happening in the States

New State Tax Laws in Effect July 1, 2024

The beginning of this month triggered the effective dates for new tax laws in more than a dozen states. Topics include income tax, property tax, sales tax, and tax filings.

American Rescue Plan Act Funds for Nonprofits

In less than six months, governments must sign written agreements to obligate their remaining State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds or send the money back to the federal government. Many local jurisdictions are making funds available to charitable nonprofits or sharing updates about their programs so that eligible organizations know of this opportunity.

Upcoming Webinar: Tuesday, July 30 at 3:00 p.m. ET

Nonpartisan Voter Engagement “How To” for Nonprofits: The National Council of Nonprofits and Nonprofit VOTE launched a National Nonprofit Voter Engagement Guide on July 15. Join the national webinar on July 30 to see the National Guide and learn why and how nonprofits should do nonpartisan voter engagement between now and Election Day.

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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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