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.

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Policy Updates

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Getting ARPA funds to nonprofits

June 01, 2021

In late May, MCN sent a letter to all 87 counties and 21 metropolitan cities in Minnesota, urging these municipalities to use some of the federal relief dollars coming to them for grants to nonprofits in their areas.

In March, 2021 Congress passed a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill that was signed into law by President Biden. A significant piece of the bill is $350 billion to state, local, and tribal governments. MCN has proposed that the state create a Nonprofit Resiliency and Recovery Fund using some of those federal dollars, and this letter similarly urges county and city governments to support nonprofits with the federal dollars they receive.

How you can help
Please bolster our efforts by sharing our letter with municipal officials you partner with, along with a note about how the pandemic and economic recession have affected your nonprofit and the communities you support!

To learn more, see the U.S. Department of Treasury's Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.

You can also see the amounts that your county or metropolitan city will receive.

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.

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