The National Council of Nonprofits is the network of state and regional nonprofit associations serving more than 20,000 member organizations. By linking local nonprofit organizations across the nation through state associations, the National Council helps small and midsize nonprofits manage and lead more effectively, collaborate and exchange solutions, engage in critical policy issues affecting the sector, and achieve greater impact in their communities.
47 Members of Congress Stand Up for Nonprofits
The National Council of Nonprofits and its network of state nonprofit associations applaud the decision of 47 members of Congress to stand up for the millions of people employed by America's nonprofits. Those 47 Representatives sent a letter 
on October 23 urging House leaders to include nonprofit employers in the final House health care reform bill. Unless Congress acts, millions of Americans employed by local nonprofits will be left without the protections that national health care reform will provide to employees of for-profit businesses.
A growing number of members of Congress are starting to express interest in including nonprofits in the health reform legislation. Nonprofits are now included (to differing degrees) in bills by two Senate Committees. The challenges for nonprofits remain significant, however, as the various health care reform bills move from committees to the House and Senate floors and then to a conference committee.
For more on health care reform and nonprofits, read the attached memo for background, current status, and next steps on the journey - as well as other amendments and issues being raised.
What Nonprofits Need to Know About H1N1 Preparedness
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control ("CDC") reminds us that although the H1N1 ("swine flu") virus appears no more dangerous than the normal seasonal flu, many more people than usual are expected to become ill this fall and winter because most people have no immunity to the H1N1 strain. In fact, many communities already are feeling the impact of this flu strain.
The expectations are that H1N1 will hit communities hard and that some nonprofits will be hit harder than others. In particular, schools and nonprofits providing residential services, child care, elder care and health services will be the hardest hit. But all nonprofits need to be prepared to address the needs of their clients/consumers, plus their own employees and volunteers.
To help you, the National Council has prepared a toolkit with special resources to provide you with up-to-date information, sample policy language, and other tools to help you avoid and get through the flu season.
Special Report #8: A Respectful Warning Call to Our Partners in Government: The Economic Crisis Is Unraveling the Social Safety Net Faster Than Most Realize
How is the economy affecting nonprofits? The National Council's just-released eighth Special Report on the Economic Stimulus & Recovery examines data from four national and nine state-specific surveys that show the undeniable truth: nonprofits are trying to meet increasing demands for more services at the same time that their operating costs escalate and their revenues decline. Read the full report online.
