Rakove and Strassberger’s Post

If you’re a leader of a nonprofit it’s likely that you are feeling overwhelmed. So when Suzanne Strassberger and I come to you with a request to make sure the voices of your clients and communities are heard loud and clear in November, we are well aware of how much is already on your plates. But we also believe that our democracy and much of the work you do is at stake this year. In this blog post, we’ve laid out some simple steps you can take as a nonprofit to promote voting. We even give a hat tip to Taylor Swift. Take a look and let us know if we can help. #nonprofits. #democracy #votingrights

Can Americans move past deep political divides? A growing movement of nonprofits hopes so. In this new article from The Chronicle of Philanthropy, 15 nonprofit leaders share advice on how donors can move past political stereotypes and start to learn from each other. The result is a stronger democracy and more impactful community initiatives. Read "15 Leaders Share Advice for Donors to Bridge Political Divides" to learn more. https://buff.ly/3OhSBKX

Want to know the secret to boosting voter turnout? Nonprofit VOTE's 2024 Nonprofit Power Report has the answers! Learn how America’s nonprofits are making a difference in communities across the country at bit.ly/NonprofitPower24

Please take five minutes to read the latest piece by Jeffrey L. Reynolds, Ph.D for InnovateLI about the critical role nonprofits play in our communities and the dangers of government overreach into the nonprofit sector. It seems politics is finding its way into nonprofits, becoming yet another tool for politicians to push their agendas. Allowing nonprofits to endorse political candidates would erode trust, create chaos in boardrooms, and threaten their very survival. What’s at stake if politicians and government cross the line into the nonprofit sector: Taxpayer Impact: If nonprofits are allowed to endorse political candidates, donations meant to support important community programs could be funneled toward political campaigns. This would allow wealthy donors to use nonprofits as a loophole to make tax-deductible political contributions, which would shrink the overall tax base. That means less government revenue—and when the government has less money, it’s everyday taxpayers who are forced to make up the difference through higher taxes or cuts to essential services like schools, roads, and healthcare. Community Services: Nonprofits provide crucial services like food assistance, housing support, mental health care, and educational programs. These organizations are trusted by the public because they focus solely on addressing community needs without any political agenda. If they start endorsing candidates or becoming involved in political campaigns, their focus will shift from serving the community to serving political interests. This could lead to fewer resources, less effective programs, and a decline in the quality of services you and your neighbors rely on. Imagine nonprofits being pressured to prioritize politics over helping those in need—our communities would suffer as a result. It’s in all of our best interests to protect nonprofits from political influence and keep them focused on delivering the essential services that support our communities. How You Can Help: Next time a candidate asks for your vote, ask how they’ll support local nonprofits without politicizing their missions. Let’s keep our nonprofits strong, independent, and community-focused. Read Dr. Reynolds' article to learn more and take action. #NonprofitsMatter #KeepPoliticsOut #SupportLocalNonprofits

Happy Election Day! Today is a reminder of the power of civic engagement and the importance of making your voice heard. Nonprofits play a crucial role in advocating for communities, and every vote helps shape the future we want to see. If you haven’t already, make sure to get out and vote! Together, we can create positive change and continue supporting the causes that matter. #ElectionDay #NonprofitAdvocacy #MakeYourVoiceCount”

Philanthropy, nonprofits and policymakers are reconsidering how our country can address criminal justice issues most effectively. We’ve highlighted six organizations working within the criminal justice space that provide pathways to opportunity to better our communities. Learn more about their mission and success here: https://bit.ly/4afMmAA

As the 2024 Election nears, make sure your nonprofit has policies in place to support civic engagement, such as paid time off to vote and serve as poll workers. Feel free to use MANP's policy as a template to adapt for your organization. Additional sample policies are available from Nonprofit Staff Vote. More importantly, review these policies with staff so they know their options. https://lnkd.in/ek6mwYkF

Check out this approach to building cross-sector partnerships - a critical component of a multi-racial inclusive democracy.

With each election cycle, nonprofits face a familiar, though sometimes unsettling, reality: political transitions can bring shifts in priorities, funding sources, and tax laws. As new leadership takes office, it’s natural to feel some uncertainty about what changes might come, especially regarding policies that impact nonprofits and the generosity of our donors. The good news is that, while these changes are significant, they also offer nonprofits an opportunity to reinforce the importance of donor support, build resilience, and deepen our connection with those who believe in our mission. https://wix.to/UM7ek4z #Fundraising #Politics

📣 Does your organization have a conflict of interest policy? 🚫💼 Some nonprofits face challenges when it comes to implementing and enforcing a robust conflict of interest policy. Without such a policy in place, conflicts can undermine trust among stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, and service beneficiaries. It is essential for board members to act in the nonprofit's best interest, but determining what constitutes a conflict of interest can be complex. It's crucial to have a well-considered conflict of interest policy in place. Download our paper to learn more about conflicts of interest and how to develop a comprehensive policy that protects your nonprofit's integrity. #NonprofitGovernance #ConflictOfInterest #Transparency #Integrity https://hubs.la/Q02GMSMF0