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2024 Nonprofit Day at the State House

2024 Nonprofit Day at the State House

Thursday, February 15, 2024
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM (EST)
Event Sold Out

Event Details

We have reached capacity for this event. To be added to a wait list, please email Learn@NonprofitMaine.org

This year's Nonprofit Day will have a special focus: a universal sales tax exemption for all 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. We look forward to convening organizations from across Maine at the State House to educate lawmakers on the benefit and impact that a blanket sales tax exemption for charitable organizations would bring, as well as on the value of the nonprofit sector as a whole.

Our twelve exhibit tables have been selected, but anyone interested in this topic is encouraged to register and join us in helping educate legislators about the amazing impact of nonprofits here in Maine.

You will have the opportunity to:

  • connect with legislators
  • attend a panel discussion on giving effective testimony
  • take a tour of the State House
  • network with your peers

    This is a free event with limited capacity; please register to save your space.

    Questions? We're Here to Help!

    Get in touch with Mary Alice Scott, MANP's Public Affairs Manager, at MAScott@NonprofitMaine.org.

    2024 Nonprofit Day Agenda

    Below is a snapshot of the day, which we will continue to update as plans and speakers are confirmed.

    8:30am    Networking, Light Breakfast
    9:30am     Welcome + Opening Remarks
    10:00am   OPTIONS: State House Tour OR View Session in Action OR Mingle and chat in the Hall of Flags
    11:00am   OPTIONS: Panel Discussion: Crafting and Delivering Legislative Testimony OR View Session in Action OR Mingle and chat in the Hall of Flags
    12:00pm    Official program ends, exhibiting and legislative meetings continue
    12:30-1:30pm (For orgs who are not exempt from sales tax) Visit Taxation Committee to hear discussion about the recent study conducted by Maine Revenue Services about a blanket sales tax exemption for 501(c)(3) organizations
    1:00pm 
     Event Concludes, Exhibitors Pack Up

    Why focus on sales tax? Most states across the country (and in New England), already have a blanket sales tax exemption for 501(c)(3) organizations. In Maine, we have an unequal and patchwork system of sales tax exemptions that causes confusion for nonprofits, businesses, and government. While many charitable nonprofits are already exempt, many others (particularly smaller organizations) are left behind. This year, we have a chance to change that!

    How should I set up my exhibit table? It is important to note that there is only space in the Hall of Flags for 12 organizations to have an exhibit table. Unless you were notified that your organization was selected to have a table, you will not have space to exhibit. Exhibitors have been notified and information about setting up your table is in your Exhibitor Toolkit. Please reach out to Mary Alice Scott, Public Affairs Manager (mascott@nonprofitmaine.org), with any additional questions.

    Health guidelines: MANP offers these collective well-being guidelines for in-person events to support, as much as possible, a safe environment, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

    Weather Cancellation Policy: Please be advised that if the State House is closed, Nonprofit Day will be cancelled. The Hall of Flags is a popular reservation, and we won’t be able to reschedule before the end of session. If it is snowing where you live, but the State House is open, Nonprofit Day will continue, and we will trust that each of you will make the safe and responsible choice regarding your own attendance.

    MANP is committed to ensuring all guests are accommodated at our events to the best of our ability. Please email Kelly McCormack at KMcCormack@NonprofitMaine.org with your request no later than Monday, February 5th.

    Learn more about Accessibility at the State House.

    If you anticipate needing a private space (for pumping, prayer, or other purposes), any staff member in the Clerk’s Office will be able to guide you to that space.

    Nonprofits with budgets less than $1 million are eligible to apply for travel assistance to attend Nonprofit Day in February. Please complete this form by Friday, February 9th. We aspire to offset as much of the cost as possible, but the amounts of assistance will depend on the number and types of requests received. Carpooling is much appreciated as it will help extend the number of requests that can be accommodated. Priority will be given to organizations whose missions are dedicated to advancing equity for under resourced communities.

    You can still apply for travel assistance even if you've already registered to attend.