Public Policy

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.

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.

Latest

Policy Updates

Join in urging congress to enact nonprofit policy priorities

July 28, 2021
 

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and other statewide associations of nonprofits are calling on charitable organizations to join in the effort to advocate for inclusion of immediate relief for nonprofits in legislation moving through Congress.

This past week, 55 national nonprofit organizations sent a letter to President Biden and congressional leaders identifying challenges charitable organizations continue to face and seeking support for urgently needed policy objectives that will enable charitable organizations to contribute to the nation’s relief, recovery, and rebuilding.
 

Sign On Today!

 
The letter states: “Given our unique role of providing pandemic relief and economic recovery, we ask that Congress and the Administration enact a package of relief solutions tailored to the actual needs and realities of these organizations that, like you, are devoted to serving the public good.” Those solutions include:

  • Nonprofit Jobs: Enactment of the WORK NOW Act, improvements to the Employee Retention Tax Credit, collection and timely reporting of nonprofit employment data; and
  • Nonprofit Resources: Extension and expansion of the Universal Charitable Deduction, protection of the itemized charitable donation deduction, appropriation of emergency grant funds, preservation of the ARPA state/local funds, and expansion of broadband.

The Charitable Nonprofit Policy Priorities Letter is open to all organizations that support the policy objectives and the work of charitable organizations in communities. Take action now!




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.