ADVOCACY UPDATE

September 29, 2026

In this update:

• RAPID RESPONSE SURVEY: NJ budget funding and government grants/contracts - deadline October 7

• Acting Comptroller Shirley Emehelu appointed Acting Secretary of State 

• Urge Congress to permanently block OMB proposed grant rules 

• Stand up for an accurate 2030 Census

• Trump uses "pocket rescission" to unilaterally Cut $1B in federal funding
• Three ways to vote in NJ in the general election 
• Free webinar October 1: Preparing for the 2026 election season 

• Save the date! NJ Nonprofits Conference December 2

Rapid Response Survey: NJ Government Grants/Contracts 

Complete the survey by October 7, 2026

As part of our ongoing work to improve the way government interacts with nonprofits with respect to grants, contracts, program provision and the state budget, we are seeking updated information regarding levels of funding received in the most recently approved state budget as well as grant and contracting relationships between nonprofits and the State of New Jersey.

If your organization receives funds from the State of New Jersey, whether through a grant, contract or legislative appropriation, your input is very important. Your insights will help strengthen advocacy for nonprofits on these important issues. Individual responses will be kept confidential.

Please take a few moments to complete this BRIEF survey regarding your recent experiences, and spread the word to other New Jersey nonprofits that receive State government funds.

Thank you!

Gov. Sherrill appoints Shirley Emehelu Acting Secretary of State following Lt. Gov. resignation

On September 25, Governor Mikie Sherrill announced the appointment of Acting Comptroller Shirley Emehelu to serve as New Jersey Acting Secretary of State, succeeding Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, who resigned the same day.  The Secretary of State is the state's top election official, tasked with ensuring that New Jersey's elections are carried out legally and fairly, making a swift appointment essential with only a few weeks before the midterm elections.

Governor Sherrill has 45 days to appoint a new Lieutenant Governor. The appointment will not require legislative confirmation. Under the state constitution, the Governor also appoints the Lieutenant Governor to "serve as the head of a principal department or other executive or administrative agency of State government, or delegate to the Lieutenant Governor duties of the office of Governor, or both," but the Lieutenant Governor is not required to serve as Secretary of State as Dr. Caldwell did. 

Urge Congress to permanently block OMB proposed grant rules

As previously reported, Congress recently voted on a bipartisan basis to pause until December 11 a proposed OMB rule that threatens to overhaul and politicize federal grantmaking. This temporary block came after overwhelming public pushback, including nearly 500,000 comments (mostly opposing the rule). See the National Council of Nonprofits' (NCN) chart for a summary of the proposed changes.

Lawmakers have only four weeks when they return post-midterms to decide if they will block the rule permanently. 

How You Can Help: 

• Add your voice: Join almost 2,000 organizations by signing the national letter to Congress. 
• Reach out to your lawmakers directly: Call or email your senators and representatives—regardless of party—to urge a permanent stop to the proposal. 

Read the Center's comments opposing the OMB proposed rule.

Stand Up for an Accurate 2030 Census

Trump uses "pocket rescission" to unilaterally cut $800M in federal funding

Late Friday, September 26, President Trump announced that he had used a controversial "pocket rescission" to cancel more than $800 million in federal appropriations without congressional approval. The majority of the canceled funds target Health and Human Services (HHS) programs for undocumented immigrants and unaccompanied minors, migrant student education, HHS gender-affirming care research, minority business development, and Department of Justice (DOJ) community relations programs.

While the White House defended the cancellations as eliminating "wasteful" spending made redundant by improved border security, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) and bipartisan leaders, including Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) and Senate Budget Ranking Member Jeff Merkley (D-OR), have condemned the move as unlawful, arguing that the administration is using a procedural loophole to carry out an unlawful line-item veto. Critics contend OMB intentionally withheld funds until late in the fiscal year to bypass mandatory 45-day congressional reviews, essentially forcing the funds to expire unspent. Once the fiscal year closes, those appropriations will disappear unless the courts step in.

Trump cancels nearly $1B via pocket rescission | The Hill 

Three ways to vote in New Jersey's 2026 general elections

Free Webinar: Preparing for the 2026 Election Season

Helping others understand the electoral process, ensuring we are all informed voters, and promoting civic engagement are fundamental components of a strong, participatory democracy, and charitable nonprofits are uniquely positioned through their credibility and deep knowledge of their communities to inspire voter participation. As the 2026 midterms approach, many nonprofits are fielding new questions about how this election will unfold and the roles nonprofits can play in nonpartisan civic engagement.

Join the National Council of Nonprofits and Nonprofit VOTE on Thursday, October 1 at 2:00 PM ET for a free webinar built around their new 2026 Voter Engagement Guide.(Download the New Jersey guide, produced in partnership with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, here.)  They'll cover what's changing in the policy landscape this fall, how your nonprofit can stay civically engaged while remaining nonpartisan and complying with the law, and hear directly from nonprofit leaders putting these strategies to work in their community. 

SAVE THE DATE!
NJ Nonprofits Conference | December 2

Your “don’t miss” nonprofit conference returns December 2 in Somerset, NJ.
Stay tuned, and mark your calendar!

Center members will receive a special advance opportunity to register beginning October 14 before registration is open to the public. 
Not a member yet? Join today! 

Power What's Possible. Sponsor the Conference.

Wondering if a vendor is working with us? Check with us first!

An important reminder: If you receive a message or phone call from a vendor that implies a relationship with the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits, please check with us to verify. And if you are ever approached by anyone claiming to offer “New Jersey Center for Nonprofits email and contact information,” be aware we do not have any connection with such offers, as we never sell your contact information. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

"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."

Membership is a sound investment in your organization and in New Jersey's nonprofit community. Benefits include:

• The Center as your nonprofit advocate in Trenton and Washington 
• Exclusive learning and networking opportunities
• FREE job postings on our highly visited website
• Priority access to our HelpDesk experts
• Access to savings worth thousands of dollars
• Feature the "Proud Center Member" logo on your organization's website
• Exclusive priority registration and save over 30% on the annual NJ Nonprofits Conference 
  
• And so much more!

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.