We wanted to update you on some current critical issues. Find information, resources and learning opportunities related to: disaster relief, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and the Johnson Amendment & Census Funding.
Disaster Relief
Over the last several weeks three hurricanes and an earth quake have affected tens of thousands of people throughout the United States and around the world.
CCP has compiled information and resources on various relief efforts as well as news on CCP members who are providing support. Resources include webinars and recordings, and a list of funds.
Webinar: SEPTEMBER 14, 2017: 3:00 - 4:00 PM: Hurricane Irma: What Funders Should Know >>
Webinar: SEPTEMBER 18, 2017: 1:30 - 2:30 PM: After Hurricane Harvey and Irma: Specific Challenges Facing Immigrants and Refugees >>
Webinar Recording: Hurricane Harvey: How Small Funders Can Respond >>
Webinar Recording: Hurricane Harvey Recovery: How Donors Can Help >>
Go to More Disaster Relief Resources >>
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
"President Trump on Tuesday ordered an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that shields young undocumented immigrants from deportation, calling it an "amnesty-first approach" and urging Congress to pass a replacement before he begins phasing out its protections in six months. Read @ New York Times >>
Many philanthropic organizations have responded:
- Perrin Family Foundation >>
- Nellie Mae Education Foundation >>
- Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees >>
- Hispanics in Philanthropy >>
- Funders for LGBTQ Issues >>
- Philanthropy California >>
- The Communications Network >>
Webinar: SEPTEMBER 14: 4:00 - 5:00 PM: Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR) - Dreams in Limbo: A Look at the Future of DACA, Young Immigrants, and How Funders Can Respond >>
Brief: DACA's Termination: What Funders Need to Know in the Immediate Term >>
Connecticut
The Hartford Courant - Connecticut has joined 14 states and the District of Columbia in a lawsuit against President Donald Trump over his decision to end an Obama-era policy that shielded young undocumented immigrants from deportation.
Immigration Strategic Funders Collaborative for Connecticut is committed to enhancing statewide efforts and local work to support Connecticut's immigrant families, workers, and students. For mopre informationI contact Caprice Taylor Mendez, strategic program manager, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.
Johnson Amendment and Census Funding
From United Philanthropy Forum: This week, the U.S. House of Representatives will be debating, H.R. 3354, Make America Secure and Prosperous Act, to fund most of the federal government in Fiscal Year 2018. Included in the omnibus spending bill are amendments that would weaken the Johnson Amendment and reduce Census funding. Please read below and consider taking action!
Johnson Amendment
Three amendments that would protect the Johnson Amendment by striking the anti-Johnson Amendment rider have been introduced. Another amendment that would block funds for the enforcement of the Johnson Amendment has also been introduced.
The Johnson Amendment has long protected nonprofit freedom to speak on important issues of the day while insulating nonprofits from the divisions inherent in candidate endorsements and electioneering.
TAKE ACTION
- Contact your U.S. Representative and urge them to oppose any amendment that ends or weakens the Johnson Amendment.
- Visit GiveVoice.org and sign on to the Community Letter in Support of Nonpartisanship
- Read and share: Congress, defend the common law and common sense of nonpartisanship, which lays out the concerns found in a recent letter to Congress from the National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO), an organization representing state charity regulators across the country. The letter seems to be making an impression on the Hill as it is only the third time this organization has taken a public stand on an issue. The letter is signed by Karen Gano, Connecticut assistant attorney general, and president of NASCO is the main signatory.
- Reread CCP's April 2017 letter delivered to political leaders in Congress and shared with leaders in the state, about preserving the Johnson Amendment.
- Visit the United Philanthropy Forum's policy resource page on the Johnson Amendment >>
Census Funding
The House of Representatives will soon vote on an amendment that would transfer $30 million from the Census Bureau to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program.
Nonprofits, foundations and other community leaders rely on accurate census data to make good decisions about schools, seniors, veterans and other community needs; identify community and demographic trends that inform long-term plans and grants; and define where services are delivered.
TAKE ACTION
- Contact your U.S. Representative today and urge them to oppose the Comstock Amendment to cut the Census Bureau.
- Visit the United Philanthropy Forum's policy page, Census 2020: Why an Accurate Count Matters to Philanthropy >>