About the Nonprofit Voice Project

The Nonprofit Voice Project is the MANP Advocacy Program.

The Nonprofit Voice Project Purpose

• Education: To build the capacity of the nonprofit sector in Maine to monitor and take action on public policy issues which affect the sector;
  
  
• Public Awareness: To educate the public on the importance of Maine’s charitable nonprofit sector; and
  
  
• Issue Advocacy & Lobbying: To promote public policy that allow local and state-based nonprofits to thrive and serve their communities.
  

Issue Advocacy & Lobbying Policy Statement
MANP works to assure an environment that allows and supports Maine nonprofits to thrive and effectively serve their communities. Our membership is broad so we focus on issues common to all nonprofits:

• Nonprofit Advocacy Rights
  Advocacy is an important role of the nonprofit sector and as such the right and capacity to advocate for mission needs to be preserved and promoted.
  
  
• Accountability
  Nonprofits serve the community and as a result should function with integrity and efficiency and should address violations within the sector.
  
  
• Tax Policy
  Taxes and tax policy are important to nonprofits because taxes finance government programs and services, many of which are delivered by nonprofits or received directly by those served by nonprofits. Tax policy can also serve as an incentive for giving to charitable organizations.
  
  
• The Essential Role of Government and Its Partnership with the Nonprofit Sector
  It is the role and duty of government to provide for and promote the safety, prosperity and general welfare of its citizens. The nonprofit community is dedicated to the same goals of public service and should be a leader in advocating for policies that recognize and support the fulfillment of this primary mission of government.
  
  
• Charitable Giving and Volunteerism
  Public policy should recognize and support the important roles of volunteer service and private philanthropy in improving the lives of citizens and the quality of life in Maine.
  

Implementation Criteria for Public Policy Initiatives
We follow strict criteria when deciding to take action on a public policy issue.

• Fit:
  Does the issue/initiative match the mission of MANP and its members and fit within MANP's advocacy guidelines?
  
  
• Impact:
  Does the issue/initiative have significant implications for MANP members and/or Maine 's nonprofit organizations?
  
  
• Support:
  Is there, or do we reasonably anticipate that there will be, general informed support for the proposed position among the members of the Maine Association of Nonprofits?
  
  
• Credibility:
  Will MANP be perceived as a legitimately concerned and appropriate advocate for the position to be taken?