The creation of joint, collaborative government-nonprofit contracting reform task forces offers a promising first step to fix broken contracting systems that harm governments and nonprofits as well as those they serve. These collaborative task forces create an environment in which pragmatic reform efforts can be proposed, evaluated, developed, and then successfully implemented. The National Council of Nonprofits’ report, Partnering for Impact: Government-Nonprofit Contracting Task Forces Produce Results for Taxpayers, explores the structure and efforts of task forces in nine states.

In reviewing past experiences of government-nonprofit contracting reform task forces, the National Council of Nonprofits developed a collection of lessons learned for participants in future task forces to keep in mind about successful collaborations. Although these principles may appear obvious, they are highlighted because failure to recognize them can interfere with the ability of task forces to develop a plan that is beneficial for governments, nonprofits, and the people served. Read the practical guide for building collaborative relationships.

Connecticut

• Legislation: Special Act No. 10-5: An Act Establishing a Commission on Nonprofit Health and Human Services (2010).
• Report: State of Connecticut Commission on Nonprofit Health and Human Services Final Report (March 2011).
• Report: Connecticut Governor’s Cabinet on Nonprofit Health and Human Services, Connecticut Governor’s Cabinet on Nonprofit Health and Human Services October 2012 Report.

Hawai`i

• Legislation: Hawai’i Legislature, Senate Concurrent Resolution 40 (2012).
• Report: Hawai’i State Legislature, Interim Report of the Government Contracting Task Force  (Formerly the Prompt Payment Task Force) to the Legislature for the Regular Session of 2013(2013).

Illinois

• Legislation: Illinois General Assembly, Public Act 096-1141 (2010).
• Report: Illinois Department of Human Services, Streamlined Auditing and Monitoring of Community Based Services: First Steps Toward a More Effective System for Providers, State Government, and the Community (2010).

Maine

• Background: No enabling legislation. Maine Association of Nonprofits is working directly with the Commissioner of Health and Human Services. 
• Legislation to implement recommendation for deemed status: State of Maine, Mental Health Licensing.

Maryland

• Legislation: Maryland Legislature, HB 217 Council for the Procurement of Health, Education, and Social Services (2012).
• Report: Maryland Procurement Task Force, State of Maryland Taskforce Report to the Governor and General Assembly on Procurement of Health, Education, and Social Services (2011).

New Jersey

• Executive Order: New Jersey Governor’s Office, Executive Order 41 (2010).
• Report: Red Tape Review Commission Report (2012)
• Nonprofit Recommendations: Center for Non-Profits, Statement and Recommendations to the Red Tape Review Commission (2011).
• Nonprofit Recommendations: Center for Non-Profits, Strengthening Program Delivery By Improving the Contracting System for Non-Profit and Provider Agencies (2012).
• Nonprofit Recommendations: Center for Non-Profits, Improving the Climate for Program and Service Delivery for the People of New Jersey  (2014)

New York

• Background: No enabling legislation. New York Council of Nonprofits and the Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York have worked directly with the Attorney General's and Governor’s offices.
• Report: New York Attorney General’s Leadership Committee, Revitalizing Nonprofits: Renewing New York (2012).

North Carolina

• Background: No enabling legislation. North Carolina Center for Nonprofits is working directly with state agencies.
• Report: North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, Government Contracting with Nonprofits: Solutions Emerging for a Broken System (2011).

Texas

• Legislation - 2009: Texas Legislature, House Bill 492 (2009).
• Report - 2010: Texas Task Force on Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity, Task Force on Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity: Report and Legislative Recommendations to the 81st Texas Legislature (2010).
• Legislation - 2011: Texas Legislature, House Bill 1965 (2011).
• Report – 2012: Texas Task Force on Improving Relations with Nonprofits, Report & Legislative Recommendations to the 83rd Texas Legislature (2012).