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ADVOCACY UPDATE
June 29, 2026
In this update:
ACTION ALERT – Oppose Federal proposed regulations that would politicize grants process and harm communities
Sign on in Support of Common-Sense Ethical Guidelines to Govern Online Fundraising Platforms
Advocating for nonprofits in Washington, DC
NJ Nonprofits turn out for Advocacy Day in Trenton
Need an lobbying rules refresher? Join us July 8 for Policy World Wednesday!
Registration is OPEN - Joint Policy Forum August 6
Gratitude and a fond farewell to Doug
ACTION ALERT – Proposed federal regulations would upend grants process and harm communities
Sign onto nationwide letter and submit your own comments by July 13
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget has proposed sweeping new regulations that would overhaul the framework governing the awarding and management of federal government grants and financial assistance to state and local governments, nonprofits, and others.The regulations would impose a series of alarming changes that would cause significant harms to grantees and the people and communities they serve.
The full proposal is long, complex, and includes a number of provisions that are cause for serious concern.Just a small sampling:
Sweeping applicability, short deadline and effective date - The proposal would reclassify the previous OMB Uniform Guidance as a regulation and would become applicable to nearly all government agencies effective October 1, 2026.This monolithic approach makes it harder to tailor requirements based on programmatic needs and implements drastic program changes that would facilitate the arbitrary and rapid termination of grants (see below).
Political appointee oversight of award selection – Under the proposal, all discretionary awards would be subject to the review and authorization of senior political appointees within each department.Among other things, these appointees would be tasked with ensuring that grants “demonstrably advance” the president’s policy priorities, and grants must not be used to support direct or indirect racial preferences in employment or program participation; “denial by the recipient of the sex binary in humans or the notion that sex is a chosen or mutable characteristic;” illegal immigration; or any other initiatives that compromise public safety or promote “anti-American values.”
Dangerously broad suspension or termination authority – The proposed rules significantly expand the circumstances under which grants can be suspended or terminated if a federal agency or pass-through entity determines that an award “does not effectuate program goals, Federal agency priorities, or the national interest as they exist at the time of the termination.” This change would appear to be a response to various court challenges to the Administration’s previous efforts to freeze or terminate Congressionally authorized grants.It would inject a high degree of uncertainty into the entire grants process, subjecting all programs to risk of arbitrary and ideologically motivated terminations.
This proposal would affect virtually every aspect of government funding, from science to the arts, from nonprofits and hospitals to state and local governments.The short window for public comment, along with a swift effective date make planning and compliance a virtual impossibility.The regulations would effectively exclude many worthy organizations from grant eligibility, or subject them to inconsistent and unpredictable compliance requirements and the fear that funds could be pulled at any time with minimal justification.The associated disruption to programs would cause severe harms in communities statewide and across the country.
Action Needed: It’s critically important that as many voices as possible are raised against this rule.Deadline for public comments is July 13.
Sign on to a nationwide letter in opposition to the rule, spearheaded by the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN).
Submit your own comments against the proposal. See this guide from NCN for more information and tips to help you craft your personalized response.
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. You can also use this email template provided by NCN.
Spread the word to your colleagues and contacts and ask them to weigh in, too. As of this writing, OMB has recorded more than 68,000 comments on the proposal – let’s keep them coming!
Let us know how these proposals might affect your organization and services.Write to Linda Czipo, at lczipo@njnonprofits.org with your comments or questions.
Sign on to support common-sense ethical principles for online fundraising platforms
The New Jersey Center for Nonprofits has joined with the National Council of Nonprofits and sister state associations nationwide to champion a new set of principles designed to guide ethical online fundraising platforms and protect the integrity of charitable giving.
The use of online fundraising platforms has grown significantly in recent years, and many donors turn to them as a regular mechanism for making their gifts.But when these platforms solicit gifts without nonprofit consent, collect hidden donor fees and operate in other ways counter to the needs of nonprofit organizations and donors, they cause significant damage to donors, nonprofits and their missions, and the public trust.
The Center was part of the NCN task force that developed the principles, which are built on several basic tenets:
Nonprofit Consent: Nonprofits must have the power and agency to decide for themselves how and when to engage with online fundraising platforms before they solicit or collect donations.
Transparency: Donors must have the power and information they need to decide whether to make a donation through an online fundraising platform.
Partnership: Online fundraising platforms must recognize nonprofits as valued, equal partners.
Accountability: Online fundraising platforms must be accountable to nonprofits, donors, the public, and the appropriate regulators.
Endorse the principles by completing this sign-on form on behalf of your organization.
Share the principles with your networks and encourage other nonprofits to sign on.
Urge online fundraising platforms to operate ethically.
You can learn more at an upcoming NCN webinar on Thursday, July 30 at 3:00 pm Eastern covering the new national principles and how to protect your organization's mission, brand, and donor relationships. Register here.
Capitol Hill Day for Nonprofits in DC
Earlier this month, the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits traveled to Washington, DC, to visit with federal lawmakers as part of Capitol Hill Day, organized by the National Council of Nonprofits.
In our meetings on the Hill, we reiterated several key themes, including:
The important role nonprofits play in the well-being of our communities;
The toll federal government policies are having on the ability of nonprofits to meet escalating needs;
The new OMB proposed regulations governing government grants, and the widespread, negative impact they would pose for nonprofits, state and local governments, and communities; and
The importance of preserving laws governing nonpartisanship of 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
As we’ve noted from previous meetings, including our Hill visits in March with the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, our elected officials want to keep hearing about the impact policies are having on your organizations and the people and causes you serve.We will continue to share our perspectives and those stories you give us (with your consent, of course), but it’s also important that they hear from you directly on a regular basis.
As a reminder, 501(c)(3) nonprofits may advocate about general issues without limit, and may lobby on legislation within certain specified limits. Our next Policy World Wednesday on July 8 will feature a mini-refresher about the rules.
NJ Nonprofits turn out for Advocacy Day in Trenton
Assemblyman Dave Bailey (District 3) addresses the crowd on NJ Nonprofits Advocacy June 22 in front of the State House Annex in Trenton. (Photo by Tim Sexton.)
Thanks to the advocates and changemakers who turned out for NJ Nonprofits Advocacy Day June 22! It was an energizing day of celebration and solidarity as we turned a bright light on the essential work nonprofits do every day in our communities and advocated for policies to aid nonprofit missions.
Featured speakers included New Jersey Lt. Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell; Assemblyman Dave Bailey Jr. (District 3); Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy (District 14); Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (District 15); Sandra Toussaint, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Mercer County and Board Chair, New Jersey Center for Nonprofits; Theresa Jacks, President & CEO, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers; and Tyneisha Gibbs, Co-founder and Executive Director, Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective.
Our thanks to our staff and board, the amazing volunteers, and everyone who turned out to raise a collective voice for a strong nonprofit community and thriving New Jersey for all.
The advocacy continues. We are honored to stand alongside you as we continue this work together. Stay tuned for more information and ways to stay involved.
Why Attend? New Jersey's nonprofit and philanthropic sectors influence policies that positively impact our community. The 2026 Summer Joint PolicyForum offers a unique opportunity to engage with leaders and allies, discuss current and emerging policy issues, and enhance advocacy strategies. This year's Forum will feature discussions on the state budget, Census 2030, reparations, and strategies to strengthen and protect New Jersey’s nonprofit sector. Your participation will place you at the forefront of driving meaningful change in our communities!
Who Should Attend? The 2026 Summer Joint PolicyForum is essential for nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, board members, and staff focused on public policy.
NJ Center for Nonprofits Member rate: $175/person (discount code required; see previous email sent to members)
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers Member rate: $175/person (discount code required)
Non-member rate: $265/person
To receive the discount code:
Center members: look in your email for a message sent previously that included the discount code. If you didn’t receive it, contact center@njnonprofits.org for the code.
Don't miss this event designed to empower and connect our sector's champions. Register today and be part of the conversation that will shape our future. Your participation will contribute to strengthening the vital partnership between nonprofits, philanthropy, and government, ensuring a higher quality of life for all New Jersey residents.
This month's call will feature a mini-refresh about the advocacy and lobbying rules for 501(c)(3) organizations.
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.)
Please join us in expressing our heartfelt thanks to Doug Schoenberger, our Government Affairs Specialist who will be leaving the Center on Tuesday, June 30.Doug has been a vital part of our team for more than 7 years, spearheading our legislative agenda and serving as a consistent, high-visibility and high-impact presence at the State House for the Center and the nonprofit community.We'll miss his expertise and his warmth, good humor and passion for the nonprofits and communities we serve. We wish him every happiness and fulfillment in his next chapter. Thank you, Doug!
"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
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