The Nonprofit Stakeholders Engaging and Advancing Together (NEAT) Act of 2023 (H. R. 3245), introduced by Representatives Nancy Mace and Betty McCollum, aims to strengthen the partnership between nonprofit organizations and the Federal Government. This bill recognizes the significant contributions of the nonprofit sector to the United States economy and society, and seeks to enhance the sector’s ability to address public challenges and improve the quality of life in communities across the country.
Key provisions of the NEAT Act include:
- Establishing a White House Office on Nonprofit Sector Partnership, led by a Nonprofit Advisor, to develop policies that support the nonprofit sector and increase charitable giving, volunteerism, and national service.
- Creating an Interagency Council on Nonprofit Sector Partnership to provide recommendations on how the nonprofit sector can leverage and accelerate Federal investments to rebuild American communities.
- Forming an Advisory Board on the Nonprofit Sector to advise the President and the Interagency Council on matters affecting the nonprofit sector, volunteerism, service, and related topics.
- Analyzing the impact of relevant statutes, regulations, and actions on charitable giving and the nonprofit sector by the Department of the Treasury.
- Issuing reports on trends in the non-stipended volunteer force by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and assessing how the Corporation for National and Community Service can support the needs of the volunteer force and national service community.
- Improving data collection and reporting on the nonprofit sector by various Federal agencies, including the Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Bureau of Economic Analysis.
- Authorizing $50 million annually from fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to carry out the provisions of the Act.
Why it matters to the average nonprofit:
The NEAT Act is significant for nonprofits because it aims to create a more supportive and collaborative environment between the Federal Government and the nonprofit sector. By establishing dedicated offices, councils, and advisory boards focused on the needs and challenges of nonprofits, the bill seeks to ensure that the sector’s voice is heard and considered in policy decisions.
The Act’s emphasis on increasing charitable giving, volunteerism, and national service could lead to more resources and support for nonprofits, enabling them to better serve their communities. Improved data collection and reporting on the nonprofit sector will provide valuable insights and inform decision-making, benefiting both nonprofits and policymakers.
Additionally, the bill’s provisions to clarify the difference between nonpartisan civic engagement and political campaign intervention could help nonprofits navigate advocacy and civic engagement activities more effectively. Overall, the NEAT Act has the potential to create a more conducive environment for nonprofits to thrive and make a greater impact in addressing societal challenges.
