U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) this week introduced a bipartisan bill that would bolster the partnership between nonprofits and the federal government.
“This legislation builds on the success Michigan and other states have had to ensure that nonprofits have a voice and their important work is not hindered by a lack of communication with legislators and officials,” Rep. Upton said on Tuesday. “It will empower nonprofits and benefit communities across our country.”
The Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act of 2022, H.R. 7587, which Rep. Upton cosponsored alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), aims to recover and grow nonprofit jobs; increase access to national service; lower the cost of fundraising across states; reduce the burden of federal funding and regulations; and protect the nonprofit voice in election years, according to a fact sheet on the bill released by the lawmakers.
“Southwest Michigan is home to so many life-changing and sustaining nonprofits,” said Rep. Upton. “The Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act of 2022 will give nonprofits a seat at the table.”
If enacted, H.R. 7587 would establish a formal partnership between federal policymakers and nonprofit organizations to ensure the needs of nonprofits and their communities are considered at the beginning of policy development and implementation, according to the fact sheet.
Specifically, the bill would establish a White House office led by an Assistant to the President having deep expertise in nonprofits to ensure policies are designed with an understanding of the sector’s capacity to realize critical priorities in a way that maximizes the benefit to communities; an interagency council to streamline coordination across offices and departments in the administration; and a federal advisory board consisting of community-based and national nonprofit and philanthropic leaders who would consult with policymakers.
“Federal government, state and local governments rely on the nonprofit sector and its ability to harness and direct the generosity, service and volunteerism of the American people,” said Rep. McCollum. “Just as small businesses have the Small Business Administration to facilitate access to federal resources, the nonprofit sector should be afforded this same level of support.”
The Independent Sector, the National Council of Nonprofits, the Michigan Nonprofit Association, and the Council of Michigan Foundations are among numerous organizations that have endorsed the bill.