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ADVOCACY UPDATE
March 9, 2026
In this update:
TAKE ACTION - oppose proposed federal grant changes that would harm nonprofits and communities
April 16 - "Beyond the Rulings" in person educational session
Governor Sherrill to unveil proposed budget March 10
State government grants bills reintroduced
ICYMI: Nonprofit survey results; NJ nonprofits GET IT DONE
Our policy recommendations to the Sherrill Administration
Policy World Wednesday March 11
TAKE ACTION – Oppose proposed federal grant changes that would harm nonprofits and communities
Sign onto nationwide letter and submit your own comments by March 30
The United States General Services Administration (GSA) has proposed drastic changes to the System for Award Management (SAM) that would significantly alter the eligibility, process and execution of federal grant programs.Nonprofits have until March 30 to oppose these changes.
The System for Award Management is the online portal through which nonprofits and other entities register and apply for grants and contracts from the federal government. In a notice published January 28, the GSA proposed changes to SAM that, if adopted, would require nonprofits and other federal grant recipients to sign new certifications in order to apply for or receive federal funding. These certifications mirror President Trump’s January 2025 executive order and a July 2025 memo from Attorney General Pam Bondi that attempts to significantly broaden interpretations of “illegal” diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). The proposed certifications also include provisions related to undocumented immigration and terrorism.
In order to register for SAM or be eligible for federal grants, nonprofits and other grant or contract recipients would be required to certify that they do not engage in “illegal” DEI or other activities similar to descriptions in the Bondi memo. Examples include using criteria such as cultural competence, lived experience, “overcoming obstacles” or “diversity statements”; training sessions that exclude participants based on race or other protected characteristics; “diverse-slate” policies in hiring, and others.
Entities would also have to certify that they will not “knowingly bring or attempt to bring to the United States, transport, conceal, harbor, shield, hire, or recruit for a fee an illegal alien” or “fund, subsidize, or facilitate violence, terrorism, or other illegal activities that threaten public safety or national security.”
This directive, if adopted, would cause significant harm for nonprofits and the people and communities they serve.It asks entities to certify that the entire organization does not and will not engage in or promote the wide array of activities that are deemed “illegal” in the executive order or Attorney General memo. Especially given the sweeping nature of these guidelines, the GSA proposal could subject organizations to significant risk of significant financial or legal penalties, and could cause many capable organizations to forego participating in the federal grants process altogether, to the detriment of the communities they serve.
ACTIONS NEEDED:
The deadline for public comment on the GSA proposal is March 30, 2026.
Submit your own comments in opposition to the changes. See this guide from the National Council of Nonprofits for assistance.
Contact New Jersey’s United States Senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, and your own Congressional Representative, to ask for their help in protecting nonprofit grantees and the communities they serve.
For more information:
·National Council of Nonprofits analysis and Comment Guide
Beyond the Rulings: Strategies to Safeguard Nonprofits in a Shifting Legal Landscape
Plan to join us April 16 IN PERSON in Mercer County for the fourth installment of “Beyond the Rulings: Strategies to Safeguard Nonprofits in a Shifting Legal Landscape,” featuring Lloyd Freeman, Esq., of Buchanan Ingersoll. This series, designed to help nonprofits navigate this environment while staying true to their missions, is presented by the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, Gathering Ground, Grunin Foundation, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, NonprofitConnect, Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective, Pro Bono Partnership, and the Support Center, with support from the Community Foundation of New Jersey, Grunin Foundation, and Schumann Fund for New Jersey.More details coming soon.
Governor Sherrill to unveil proposed budget March 10
On March 10, Governor Mikie Sherrill will present her proposed Fiscal Year 2027 state budget to the New Jersey Legislature.Analysts and the Governor herself have warned that this year’s budget will be tight, especially given federal funding cutbacks and the state’s structural deficit.The address is scheduled for March 10 at 2PM ET.You can watch proceedings live from the New Jersey Legislature’s website at https://njleg.state.nj.us/.
Legislation championed by the Center that would significantly improve the government grants process in New Jersey has been reintroduced in the State Legislature. A-3492 and A-3495, sponsored by Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, would implement a series of reforms to the processes that nonprofits undergo when they apply for or receive state government funds and would establish an ombudsperson to field inquiries and provide assistance to nonprofits that are experiencing problems.
Although one bill cleared the Assembly State and Local Government Committee at the end of the last legislative session, because it did not advance further it must start the legislative process again. The Center will continue to push for passage of these bills. More information
ICYMI...
New Trends and Outlook Report Documents toll that funding gaps, volatile federal climate are taking on nonprofits and communities
Disruptions of federal government support and systems, combined with longstanding gaps between growing demand for services, rising expenses, and lagging resources, pose ”grave threats” to New Jersey’s nonprofit organizations and the people and communities they serve, according to a new report by the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits.
Discuss the report with your board and staff teams
Use the data in your organization’s planning
Share the findings and your own story with funders and government officials
Post on social media with your own observations
Share your story with the Center, so we can make our advocacy even stronger.
New Jersey Nonprofits GET IT DONE
Every day, New Jersey nonprofits make life in the Garden State better.As part of our New Jersey Nonprofits Get It Done campaign, we’re highlighting a small, rotating sample of organizations that reflect the range of vital nonprofit work in New Jersey.
Our policy recommendations for the Sherrill Administration
Our policy recommendations, submitted pre-inauguration to the incoming Sherrill/Caldwell administration, are centered around several broad themes to help ensure that nonprofits are best positioned to serve our communities now and over the long haul:
·PROTECT AND DEFEND THE NONPROFIT COMMUNITY from federal attacks and budget cuts.
·HELP NONPROFITS STRETCH BUDGET DOLLARS AND SECURE MUCH-NEEDED RESOURCES through government grants and contracts reform, charitable giving incentives, and more.
·PRESERVE A STRONG CIVIC INFRASTRUCTURE by protecting voting and advocacy rights, and promoting a complete and accurate 2030 Census count in New Jersey.
In her response to our nonpartisan candidate questionnaire published in October, the then governor-elect said, “As governor, I’m committed to giving nonprofits a seat at the table when major decisions are made in Trenton and ensuring that their voice is heard when legislation is being considered.”
Join us to discuss all things policy, including the latest developments at the federal, state and local levels; legislative insights and advocacy opportunities; and to share any other policy or advocacy issues currently on your organization’s radar. Network with, and learn from, other changemakers to help stay abreast of current trends, build partnerships and strengthen advocacy skills for increased influence in public policy matters. Whether you’re new to advocacy or an experienced veteran, we hope we’ll see you there!
You must be a staff or board member of a nonprofit or philanthropic organization to participate. Preregistration is recommended but not necessary. (You will need to sign in to participate.)
"As nonprofits, our entire reason for being is to make society better by our missions and deeds.
As part of that promise, we have a responsibility to advance an equitable society, to shine a bright light on the harsh reality of systemic racism and injustice and to actively work against it."
Join YOUR New Jersey Nonprofit Network!
Be part of the only statewide organization representing ALL charitable nonprofits, no matter your mission, size or location.
Membership is a sound investment in your organization and in New Jersey's nonprofit community. Benefits include:
Annual dues start at just $99. Become a member and start your benefits right away!
Information in this communication does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. For answers to specific questions concerning your situation, you should consult a knowledgeable attorney who can advise you regarding your particular circumstances.
New Jersey Center for Nonprofits 3635 Quakerbridge Rd, Suite 35 Mercerville, NJ 08619 732-227-0800 | center@njnonprofits.org
