Defend Nonprofit Independence
As we approach Independence Day, we're reminded that strong communities are built by people and organizations committed to serving others. Nonprofit organizations are at the heart of that work, bringing people together, responding to community needs, and creating a Utah where everyone thrives.
This week brought encouraging news for our sector (PSLF stands!) and a call to continue to protect our work by defending the Johnson Amendment.
Don’t want to read further? Submit your comments in support of the Johnson Amendment here.
Celebrate the Protection of Public Service Act
On June 30, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts protected access to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for employees of qualifying nonprofit organizations. The court blocked a U.S. Department of Education regulation that would have excluded certain nonprofits based on their missions.
The decision is a powerful example of democracy at work. Nonprofits identified a threat, came together around a shared concern, and used advocacy and the legal system to protect a program that supports nonprofit employees, organizations, and the communities they serve.
It is also a reminder that our advocacy work is never finished. The Johnson Amendment remains under attack.
Defend Nonprofit Independence
The federal Religious Liberty Commission, established by Executive Order in 2025, recently recommended repealing the Johnson Amendment, a 72-year-old provision of federal tax law that protects nonprofit nonpartisanship and helps preserve public trust in charitable organizations. The recommendation is the latest development in an ongoing campaign to weaken or repeal the Johnson Amendment.
Why does this matter? The Johnson Amendment allows charitable nonprofits to advocate for their missions, educate policymakers, and engage in civic life while prohibiting them from endorsing or opposing political candidates. The Johnson Amendment helps ensure nonprofits remain focused on mission rather than partisan politics.
Repealing the Johnson Amendment could allow tax-deductible charitable contributions to be used to support political candidates, opening the door to political spending through charitable organizations and further blurring the line between public service and partisan politics. It could also undermine the public trust that nonprofits have spent generations building. Learn more below.
Submit your comments by July 12: Take Action
Why the Johnson Amendment Matters
Protect Public Trust
The Johnson Amendment helps preserve the public trust that is essential to the nonprofit sector. People support nonprofits because they believe organizations are advancing a charitable mission, not supporting political candidates or parties.
Prevent Political "Dark Money"
Without the Johnson Amendment, donors could potentially route tax-deductible contributions through charitable organizations to support political candidates while receiving charitable tax benefits. This would blur the line between charitable giving and campaign spending.
Preserve Nonprofit Independence
The Johnson Amendment helps keep nonprofits accountable to their missions and communities rather than political interests. It allows organizations to advocate on issues while avoiding pressure to align with candidates or parties.
Keep the Focus on Community
Nonprofits are among the few institutions that bring people together across political differences to address shared challenges. The Johnson Amendment helps preserve that role by keeping the focus on serving communities rather than influencing elections.
Take Action
The Religious Liberty Commission is accepting public comments through July 12. Join nonprofit leaders across the country in defending nonprofit independence, protecting public trust, and keeping charitable organizations focused on mission rather than partisan politics.
Submit your comments by July 12: Take Action