Special Reports from the National Council

Multiple government reports, news accounts from across the country, and now hard data from the first comprehensive nationwide survey of problems nonprofits experience through government contracts all point to one inescapable conclusion: while governments rely extensively on nonprofit organizations to deliver human services to their most vulnerable residents, governments do so using a contracting “system” that is so woefully broken that it now jeopardizes public health and safety.

The contracting system must be fixed so people receive services when they need them, taxpayers receive full value for the programs they fund, and communities are strengthened through wise stewardship.

The National Council of Nonprofits and the Urban Institute’s Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy have collaborated in developing the first comprehensive national survey and related research documenting the serious and widespread problems experienced by nonprofit human service providers under contract with governments at the local, state and national levels. This portal on our website is devoted to sharing the results of this collaboration, and providing a space promoting further research, sharing of information and the pursuit of solutions to this quiet but significant national crisis.

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As state governments across the country grapple with severe budget deficits, many are placing extraordinary burdens on nonprofits. On March 16, the National Council of Nonprofits released a special report documenting how states are delaying contract payments to their nonprofit partners, slashing funds for essential programs, and imposing new fees and taxes on 501(c)(3) organizations. The report encourages leaders of governments, foundations, and nonprofits to work together to address challenges posed by state budget crises.

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This report synthesizes the data from four national and nine state surveys illustrating how nonprofits are coping with the impact of the economy and offers suggestions for cost-cutting measures and strategic steps nonprofits can take to address the allocation of scarce resources as they weather the downtown in the economy.

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This report synthesizes updated survey data illustrating how the combination of increased demand, increased costs and reduction in contributions has impacted nonprofits, and offers a warning that nonprofits may not be able to keep up with the increase in the demand for their services even as the economy recovers.

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On April 9, the White House held a special “briefing for outside organizations about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)” to provide an opportunity “to learn about how the ARRA funds are being distributed in the various departments and how you as organizations can participate.” The National Council of Nonprofits attended the briefing and is publishing this Special Report so nonprofits across the country can have equal access to this important information.

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Please read and then join the growing number of leaders from across America who are signing their names to this special declaration for Americans to “come together in this time of national crisis to renew our commitment to serve as partners in public service in addressing the challenges our nation faces.”

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This report examines the proposed changes for charitable deducations in President Obama's proposed budget for 2010.

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This report identifies national and state sources of information about the federal stimulus funds, including official recovery websites that states have established.

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This report reviews how various Governors have indicated they will handle the federal funds.

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This report offers grant information, tips, and considerations - including that the stimulus package offers some grant opportunities, but is not a universal remedy for everyone.

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This core report analyzes the $787 billion economic stimulus legislation, summarizing the major spending and tax cut provisions and identifying potential grant opportunities for nonprofits.

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