The Nonprofit Congress

The goal of the Nonprofit Congress is to create an action platform for the nonprofit sector to influence the direction of America’s future.

The Nonprofit Congress, which is being led by a steering committee of sector leaders and executives from state and regional associations of nonprofits, has been gathering information from nonprofit organizations – electronically and through town hall meetings and will continue to do so over the course of the next few years. On October 16 – 17, 2006, “delegates” from each state and nonprofit sub-sector met for the first time in Washington, D.C. to develop the nonprofit platform. The next convening is scheduled for 2008.

Why a Nonprofit Congress?
The time has come for nonprofits of all sizes and scope to come together. The nonprofit charitable sector has long served our nation with distinction – from helping individuals survive (through health care, domestic violence centers, meals, and other human services) to helping local communities thrive (through artistic, cultural, educational, environmental, and other enriching services). Every American has been touched at one time or another by the work of a nonprofit.

Despite the value that nonprofits add to the quality of life in America, the survival of many charitable organizations is uncertain. Due to a convergence of factors – including declining resources, increasing demands to deliver more services, widespread misunderstanding about nonprofits, mounting operational complexities, and fragmentation within the sector – nonprofits find themselves operating in a most challenging environment. The communities we serve and the issues we care about suffer when we are fragmented and isolated. Now more than ever, nonprofits need to unite around our common values, develop a shared vision and priorities, and exercise our collective voice for a better future.

Sign the Declaration
Thousands of people from all 50 states have signed the Declaration for America's Nonprofits. Show your support!

The Primary Project
As candidates blanket the country with their campaigns and priorities, The Nonprofit Congress wants to ensure that the nonprofit sector – strong and united – is there to meet them. Here’s the plan:

Step One: Organize events in key primary states that will strengthen relationships with the candidates and build public awareness of the nonprofit sector.

Step Two: Assure nonprofit representation at as many events with presidential candidates in as many states as possible to demonstrate the breadth and importance of the nonprofit sector.

MANP will be assisting the New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits in their efforts to attract first in the nation primary attention.