In a vote of 96-0, the United States Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (S. 748) providing significant funding for businesses, hospitals, schools, social support programs, and nonprofits. We have received several inquiries asking for an analysis of the relief package and its impact on nonprofits.

New York City’s nonprofits face an unprecedented threat to be able to serve our city. Our sector is committed to ending COVID-19. But, the government's responses to support nonprofits have not been enough. Nonprofit New York, in partnership with many other nonprofits, wrote the below letter and demands to our government leaders of all levels.

Dear Nonprofit Community,
Thank you for all you are doing to sustain our communities through the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress recently passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and is now quickly working to pass an economic stimulus package to respond to the recession brought on by COVID-19. The Senate proposal is already out.

Nonprofits’ Message to Funders in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

On Thursday, March 12th Nonprofit New York’s Policy Director Chai Jindasurat had the opportunity to speak to funders convened by Philanthropy New York on the webinar: Preparing for COVID-19: Philanthropy’s Response in Times of Crisis.

Nonpartisan Nonprofits are Not Political Organizations, and their Donors Should be Protected

501c3 nonpartisan nonprofits are not political organizations. They have missions to promote arts and culture, spiritual nourishment, health, education, a clean environment, and bettering their communities.

COVID-19 related policy updates

COVID-19 national emergency
On March 13 the President declared a national emergency in response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic, invoking powers under the Stafford Act. This action opens $50 billion for aid related to COVID-19. The President also announced the administration would waive interest on federal student loans and the Department of Energy would buy crude oil for storage in U.S. reserves.

News of coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing quickly and Nonprofit New York has a lot planned for March. The health and safety of our community is of utmost importance to us. So out of an abundance of caution, Nonprofit New York is postponing or moving online all meetings and events intended to be held in person in the month of March.

Dear Nonprofit New York community,

Original (3.5.20): Over the last month, we’ve heard a lot about the Coronavirus that is impacting communities around the world. As of today, there are several confirmed cases in New York City metro area, but the risk to New Yorkers is still considered to be low.

What’s the difference between 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)s, and Political Action Committees?

501(c)(3)s are organizations with a primary charitable mission that are exempt from corporate income taxes. 501(c)(3)s cannot endorse or contribute to candidates for public office.

S.7505/A.9505 – Governor’s FY21 Public Protection & Good Government Article VII Legislation, Part UU

Position: Oppose

Date: February 20, 2020

Our organizations oppose Part UU because sections 1 and 5 would unwisely and unconstitutionally violate the longstanding confidentiality of donors to tax exempt charities, section 1-a would impose a redundant reporting requirement on certain tax exempt charities, and section 2 would tinker with a law that has already been ruled unconstitutional and would remain unconstitutional despite the amendments.