Public Policy

In This Section:

Advancing policies that strengthen the nonprofit sector and Minnesota communities

MCN and the Minnesota Budget Project policy teams advance public policies that strengthen the nonprofit sector and Minnesota communities through policy development and analysis, and by engaging nonprofits, other organizational partners, and the public to lift up our shared vision for a just, equitable Minnesota.

Our policy work is informed by MCN’s strategic priority on equity and justice.

MCN's 2024 Policy Agenda

Advocacy & Public Policy Resources

Nonprofits play a central role in the democratic process by providing a means for individuals to deliberate on public policies and decisions that affect them. At MCN, we are continuously working to provide resources and tools you need to engage in effective advocacy and public policy work at your nonprofit.

Explore Resources

Latest

Policy Updates

See All Policy Updates

Analysis of Nonprofit Provisions in the HEROES Act and HEALS Act

July 30, 2020

The National Council of Nonprofits has released a Preliminary Analysis of Nonprofit Provisions in the House HEROES Act and Senate HEALS Act, providing analysis and comparison to the CARES Act (Pub. L. 116-136).

The following chart outlines the provisions in the House-passed HEROES Act and the recently introduced Senate HEALS Act as they relate to policy priorities of the charitable nonprofit community as reflected in the new Nonprofit Community Letter, updated July 27, 2020, that is signed by nearly 4,000 nonprofits from all 50 states.

Download the Analysis

Issue areas explored in the analysis include:

Unemployment Insurance & Self-Insured Employers
University Charitable Deduction
Employee Retention Tax Credit
Reopening Tax Credits
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Eligibility and Amounts
PPP Loan Forgiveness
PPP Second Round
Funds for State and Local Governments
Liability Protections

All provisions listing in the analysis are subject to ongoing negotiations and should not be considered final until a relief bill is enacted. The National Council will be regularly updating this analysis, and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits will share these updates as they occur.

Policy Spotlight

State Grant Reform

Each year the state of Minnesota grants about $500 million to nonprofits to provide essential services. Changes in oversight of state-funded grants to nonprofits continues to be a topic at the Legislature.

Nonprofits must be included in implementing any and all reform efforts.

Working toward equitable grantmaking

Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)

A state-administered PFML program was signed into law May 2023, and allows nonprofits to be competitive employers, all Minnesotans to take time off to care for themselves and their families, boosts the economy, and advances racial equity.

PFML benefits and premiums start January 1, 2026.

What nonprofits need to know

Nonprofit SEAT Act

Nonprofits have extensive experience and insights that can benefit everyone in a more collaborative government-nonprofit partnership.

The Nonprofit SEAT Act enhances nonprofits' ability to address public challenges and maximize opportunities to advance our mission in every community across the country.

Sign your nonprofit's support

Legislative Successes and Past Campaigns

Since its founding in 1987, MCN has been recognized for exemplary work at the state legislature and as a source of training on relationships and advocacy between nonprofits and government. The number and subject matter of MCN’s public policy positions has grown over time. Learn more about some of the campaigns and successes over MCN's history of public policy work.

Learn More