Policy Update on Federal and State Issues
Federal: Tax Reform
The week before Christmas, the federal tax bill passed the House and Senate and was signed by the President. It will take effect in 2018.
Due in part to the nationwide advocacy effort undertaken by nonprofits, a repeal of the Johnson Amendment, an important provision in the tax code that prohibits nonprofits from endorsing candidates, was kept in place. However, among the most onerous provisions included in the final version of the bill were new and unfair taxes levied on university endowments, taxing certain forms of nonprofit employee compensation, and the doubling of the standard deduction.
One of the effects of the doubling of the standard deduction in particular is that millions of donors across the country will no longer utilize the charitable tax deduction, beginning with their 2018 contributions. In MNN's
Commonwealth Insights publication
earlier this year, we estimated that change could reduce Massachusetts giving by up to $513 million.
MNN remains committed to working with our members, and our colleagues across the country, to advocate for the interests of nonprofits. We encourage all to attend the free nationwide webinar
listed below.
State: Employer Health Care Assessment Takes Effect
On January 1, 2018, the new temporary Employer Health Care Assessment took effect. Employer charges for the new assessment will be included in 2018 first quarter unemployment insurance bills. The new charges include an increase in the existing employer medical assistance contribution and an additional charge for each employee on MassHealth or ConnectorCare for employers with six or more employees. The new regulations also include two years of unemployment insurance relief. A final version of the temporary regulations with additional details and FAQs can be found
here.
During the regulatory process, MNN worked to secure changes to the new charge for workers on MassHealth and ConnectorCare. Current regulations include two of the changes MNN recommended. The regulations will go through one more round of reviews in the first quarter.
Nationwide Webinar on Next Steps for Nonprofits on Federal Tax Reform: Thursday, 1/11 at 3:00 pm
From compliance issues, to fundraising challenges, to the prospect of changes in state and local tax law, there is a lot for nonprofits to understand about the new federal tax law.
MNN is joining with its colleagues at the
National Council of Nonprofits
in promoting a free nationwide webinar,
Now What: How the New Federal Tax Law Impacts Charitable Nonprofits
, on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 3:00 pm. All workers and supporters of the nonprofit sector are invited to learn about operational changes nonprofits may need to make right away, what they need to know about state and local policy changes, and other items that will affect nonprofits and the people nonprofits serve.
Register here.
2018 Regional Meetings Kick Off in Central Massachusetts on 2/1
MNN's 2018 Regional Meetings,
Federal Tax Reform - Where Do We Go From Here?
, will begin on
Thursday, February 1 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
at the Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston. Click here to RSVP to the Central Massachusetts Regional Meeting.
In a series of forward-looking meetings to be held in every region of the state, MNN will join with experts in the field to enumerate the ways Massachusetts nonprofits can prepare for the challenges presented by the new federal tax bill, as well how they can take advantage of new opportunities. MNN will also update attendees on new and expanded membership benefits.
Click here to visit the Regional Meetings homepage where registration links will be posted.
Join Citizens Bank at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston For Free this MLK Jr. Day
Come to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Open House, open to the public for free by Citizens Bank. Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King with live entertainment, exhibitions from a diverse range of artists, interactive tours, and much more. Attendees will enjoy features such as musical performances, a poetry open mic, and a Community Arts Initiative Partner Spotlight featuring art created by students commemorating Dr. King's legacy. Families with children of all ages are welcome to attend a Family Tour or Story Hour, or to drop in on an array of family art-making activities. Tours in American Sign Language and ASL-interpreted events take place throughout the day. To learn more, click
here.
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Nonprofit 411: Getting Everything Done
The beginning of the year brings with it a long to-do list. In the nonprofit world there always seems to be too much work and too few resources, but by focusing on what really matters- and using your time carefully and wisely- you'll be surprised what you can accomplish. Here are suggestions
for getting everything done. Read more.
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Free Webinars
Building Objective Evidence about the Impact of Social Programs
The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO), a nonpartisan research center at the University of Notre Dame, will provide an overview of objective vs. other types of evidence building, describe key features of objective evaluations, present a real-world evidence building case study, and answer
questions. Following the webinar, interested agencies will have an opportunity to connect with LEO for an introductory call and project consultation. At this time, where there is a viable evidence-building project, LEO does not require a fee for service. To learn more about LEO, please visit leo.nd.edu. Register here.
January 2018 Member Benefits Webinar
On Wednesday, January 31, MNN will hold its quarterly nonprofit member benefits webinar. This webinar is ideal for both members interested in taking advantage of all of the benefits of their membership and nonprofits considering membership with MNN. We will cover a range of benefits including advocacy, events, programming, and cost-saving resources. We will also have some time to answer
questions about MNN and membership. The webinar will begin at 10:00 am and last 30 minutes. Register here.
QUICK LINKS
The
Nonprofit Talent & Culture Summit is an immersive event where nonprofit, association and philanthropic leaders discuss concepts and ideas for advancing their missions through their people. Attendees build new relationships with social sector leaders and walk away with actionable plans for leading, transforming, and inspiring their workforce. For more information on the event taking place on April 18-20 in Washington, D.C., visit
www.nonprofittalentsummit.com
.
College students have plenty on their plates, and when election season comes around, figuring out the voting process can seem overwhelming to deal with. Taking the time to get prepped for voting may not seem appealing, but young voters can have a huge impact on the United States political scene.
This guide prepared by
Affordable Colleges Online can smooth the process and help college students ensure they are registered and well-informed when it comes time to fill out their ballots.
EPIC (Empowering People for Inclusive Communities) works to build leadership skills and experience for young people with disabilities by engaging them in community projects and leadership development workshops through their signature program, EPIC
Service Warriors. Service Warriors are youth ages 16 to 23 with disabilities who make a one year commitment to monthly community service projects and regular leadership development workshops. Through these commitments, Service Warriors gain self-advocacy, independence skills, and the technical experience and knowledge to help them achieve their personal goals. Applications for the next Service Warriors team are due January 31, 2018. The application can be accessed
here
.
The
Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) is a nonpartisan research center established in 2012 at the University of Notre Dame. LEO works with nonprofit and government agencies across the country interested in generating objective evidence about the impact of programs designed to reduce poverty and improve lives. Areas of interest include housing, health, education, criminal justice, self-sufficiency, child welfare, and seniors, among others. At this time, where there is a viable evidence-building project, LEO does not require a fee for service. To learn more about LEO and their current projects/partnerships, please visit
here
.
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New & Returning Affiliate Members
*Special discount for MNN members
Growth River develops the capacity of nonprofit leaders to navigate disruptive change.
*Free 90-minute Solution Design Meeting.
Leise Jones specializes in photography for nonprofit organizations and mission-driven companies that communicate stories and organizational missions.
*10% off event photography services (two hour minimum) for first time clients.
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