Nonprofit Policy News

This Nonprofit Policy News is offered by the National Council of Nonprofits and New York Council of Nonprofits.

Senator Baucus Introduces the Nonprofit Capacity Building Act of 2009
On March 17, the National Council's efforts over the last five years to strengthen small and midsize nonprofits cleared another hurdle when Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus (MT-D) introduced the Nonprofit Capacity Building Act of 2009 (S 609). The bill would create an innovative $25 million fund for matching grants to intermediary nonprofit training and technical assistance entities. Read more.

Federal Legislative and Regulatory Developments
Serve America Act Moves Rapidly from the House to a Senate Floor Vote Next Week
National service legislation is moving rapidly through Congress on a bipartisan basis. The legislation would more than triple the number of AmeriCorps volunteers and include a Volunteer Generation Fund to help organizations recruit and manage volunteers; a Social Innovation Fund to increase private and public investment in nonprofits to replicate and expand successful programs; expand the National Civilian Conservation Corps; and much more. The Senate is planning to consider the bill early next week. Read more on our website and visit the Service Nation website to learn more.

2009 Omnibus Appropriations Passed and Signed
On March 11, President Obama signed the $410 billion FY 2009 omnibus bill (HR 1105) comprised of nine appropriations bills not passed last fall. Funding went up eight percent over the prior fiscal year, providing more funds for block grant programs but decreasing funding for the Compassion Capital Fund. Read more.

FY 2010 Proposed Federal Budget Generates Controversy over Charitable Deductions
President Obama's proposed FY 2010 budget suggests making a downpayment on health care reform by reducing high income earners' tax deductions - including deductions for charitable contributions. For more information, analysis, and commentary about the controversy visit our website and read our Special Report.

IRA Rollover Legislation Re-Introduced
The Public Good IRA Rollover Act of 2009 (HR 1250) would permit tax-free distributions from IRAs for charitable purposes on a permanent basis and remove the current dollar limit on donations per year. Read more.

Obama Turns Back Clock on Some Bush Midnight Rules
To learn more about how the Obama Administration is taking action to reverse controversial regulations finalized in the closing days of the Bush Administration, visit the OMB Watch website.