FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SALT LAKE CITY, UT— In a significant win for Utah's nonprofit sector, SB223, Charitable Contribution Amendments, has passed through the legislature and been signed into law by the Governor. The bill, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader, Luz Escamilla, will create a new Nonprofit Capacity Fund and give Utah taxpayers the option to donate to the fund on their annual income tax return. Additionally, the legislation will create the Nonprofit Capacity Grant Program in the Department of Cultural and Community Engagement, which will distribute funds to eligible organizations and provide ongoing oversight and technical assistance.
Utah is home to over 11,000 registered nonprofit organizations, 550 of which are members of Utah Nonprofits Association (UNA). Member organizations receive professional development, technical support, advocacy, and networking opportunities to increase operational efficiency and improve service delivery. Despite this institutional support, organizations face myriad, ongoing challenges related to resource development, staffing and infrastructure, financial sustainability, and adapting to the stressors of high inflation, increased demand for services post-pandemic, and a nonprofit workforce shortage. Many organizations are in acute need of capacity-building support to address these challenges.
Funding received through the Nonprofit Capacity Grant Program will provide much-needed financial and technical support to organizations in order to build operational capacity, improve the delivery of essential services in the state, provide professional training, and encourage collaboration with other nonprofit organizations, industry, and government agencies.
Jill Bennett, UNA’s Chief Executive Officer, explains, “The healthier the nonprofit sector, the healthier the community. While the technical focus of SB223 is about developing nonprofit capacity, the heart of the bill centers on providing nonprofits with the resources they need to create healthy, resilient communities where Utahns can find shelter, joy, and inspiration. Utah Nonprofits Association celebrates the passing of this Bill, sponsored by Senator Escamilla and Representative Romano.”
As the state’s leading advocate for nonprofit organizations, UNA was a vocal supporter of SB223 and used its platform to educate members and supporters about the bill as it moved through both houses of the legislature. Additionally, UNA leveraged its annual Nonprofit Day on the Hill event to demonstrate support for the bill at the State Capitol and encourage leaders from UNA member organizations to meet directly with elected officials and voice their support for SB223.
As the bill went to each chamber for a vote, UNA issued Calls to Action to its members and supporters, urging them to contact their elected officials and ask them to vote yes on SB223. UNA members engaged directly by signing on to a formal letter of support which was shared with legislators in the final weeks of the 2023 General Session.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 13, then reviewed by the Senate Rules Committee and the Senate Business and Labor Committee. After receiving Senate approval on February 21, SB223 was sent to the House where it was reviewed by the House Rules Committee and the House Revenue and Taxation Committee. The House passed the bill on March 1, and it was sent for enrolling on March 2. SB223, Charitable Contribution Amendments, was signed into law by Governor Cox on March 23, 2023.
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For additional information, please contact Jill Bennett, UNA CEO, at jbennett@utahnonprofits.org.
About Utah Nonprofits Association: The Utah Nonprofits Association (UNA) champions Utah’s nonprofits as they work to build strong, vibrant communities throughout Utah. Incorporated in 1990, membership includes over 700 nonprofit organizations, individuals, and businesses dedicated to improving the quality of life in our state. UNA provides members with resources, education, and a collective voice. For more information, please visit www.utahnonprofits.org.