Budget / Appropriations

FY 2011 Budget Proposal

On February 1, 2010, the White House released its proposed budget for the 2011 fiscal year that begins on October 1, 2010.  The $3.8 trillion budget blueprint contains the President’s spending and tax recommendations to Congress, and it sets in motion a yearly process that concludes with the President signing appropriations bills passed by Congress.

Federal Budget and Appropriations Process

The federal budget process begins each with year with the release of the President’s blueprint in early February. The House and Senate consider these Executive Branch recommendations as they adopt a budget resolution that sets spending and revenue targets for the year. Once the spending targets are established, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees each process 12 separate bills that are supposed to be completed before the start of the new fiscal year on October 1.

Deficit Reduction Commission

President Obama signed an executive order on February 18, 2010 creating the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, charged with developing recommendations that would significantly reduce the federal budget deficit by 2015. The panel will have the authority to make recommendations dealing with any part of the tax and spending provisions that make up the federal budget. These recommendations could entail policies regarding tax-exemptions, giving incentives, and spending for programs in which nonprofit organizations participate. By December 1, 2010, the commission must submit to Congress each of its recommendations that are supported by at least 14 of the 18 commissioners. House and Senate Democratic leaders have pledged to bring the recommendations up for a vote this year.

Key Appropriations Issues

The National Council of Nonprofits tracks appropriations for key programs that assist nonprofit organizations in serving individuals and communities across the country.