MANP Applauds Court Decision Upholding Nonprofit Protections
MANP joins our national network of state nonprofit associations in applauding a federal court decision dismissing a proposed legal settlement that would have barred enforcement of a federal law protecting nonprofits from partisan politics. While the legal settlement would have applied only to the two churches involved in the case, it nonetheless threatened to weaken a critical federal law, known as the Johnson Amendment, that for over 70 years has protected charitable and religious nonprofits from partisan political activity. This law ensures that 501(c)(3) organizations—including churches, food banks, and community nonprofits—can focus on their missions without political interference.
“Nonprofits exist to serve the common good, not partisan politics. For now, the court has kept in place a foundational protection for the nonprofit sector and the communities we serve. The court’s decision maintains federal protections that keep partisan political manipulation out of charitable organizations, strengthening public confidence in nonprofits at a time when their vital work in communities across the country is more needed than ever.” -Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits
Earlier this year, the National Council of Nonprofits, along with the American Humanist Association, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Independent Sector, Interfaith Alliance, Public Citizen, and others, launched a national sign-on letter urging the federal government to preserve the Johnson Amendment. More than 1,800 nonprofits signed the letter, warning that weakening this law invites partisan interests into nonprofit spaces, distorts priorities, and jeopardizes long-standing community trust.
While this ruling marks an important win, the issue of nonprofit nonpartisanship remains in play. The two churches involved in the National Religious Broadcasters v. Bessent plan to appeal the court's decision to dismiss the case to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition, the Treasury and IRS have announced they will develop and issue new guidance this year on the Johnson Amendment and how it applies to religious organizations. Read Treasury's press release here.
Charitable nonprofits remain united in their call for Congress and the administration to continue to uphold the nonpartisan nature of the sector. Nonprofits, including houses of worship, remain some of the last trusted spaces where people from diverse political, religious, and cultural backgrounds come together to address community needs. Their credibility rests on one fundamental principle: they exist to serve the public, not political parties or candidates. Preserving their independence means protecting public trust, donor confidence, and the vital services people rely on every day.
For additional information, read the National Council of Nonprofits’ insights & analysis article.