Nonprofits can only be successful through earning and maintaining public trust. MNA promotes the ability of nonprofits to operate at the highest levels of integrity and transparency and be accountable to the public and communities they serve.

• MNA supports an appropriate level of government regulation and enforcement to protect the public’s interest while upholding the integrity of the nonprofit sector.
• MNA supports policies that protect the decision-making autonomy and self-governance authority of charitable nonprofits.
• MNA opposes policies that divide 501(c)(3) organizations based on mission, philosophy, or services provided.

MNA recognizes that public generosity and engagement are essential to a strong nonprofit sector.

• MNA supports policies that promote philanthropy and incentivize charitable giving by individuals, businesses, and organizations.
• MNA supports policies that support integrity in philanthropic practices and balances transparency with donor rights.
• MNA advocates for policies that support and promote volunteerism.

MNA promotes and advances policies that preserve tax exemption of nonprofit organizations.

• MNA supports policies that protect tax-exempt status in recognition of the value nonprofits bring to society and communities.
• MNA opposes the imposition of taxes, fees, payments in lieu of taxes, or other costs that place undue burden on nonprofits or inhibit their ability to perform their work in the community.

MNA improves and strengthens the essential partnership between nonprofits and local, state, and federal governments in Montana.

• MNA supports opportunities to improve access to state funding for nonprofits, including through more accessible and efficient grant and contracting processes.
• MNA supports contracting processes that recognize the strengths and vital role of community-based organizations in providing services and meeting local needs.
• MNA supports policies and practices that ensure that those most impacted by government policies and regulations are included in the decision-making process.
• MNA supports practices that ensure government contracts and grants cover the full cost of expected nonprofit services, including indirect costs and a competitive wage base for nonprofit employees.

MNA advances policies and partnerships that strengthen and sustain the nonprofit workforce.

• MNA supports policies that ensure nonprofits are included in statewide workforce development initiatives.
• MNA supports government investment in nonprofit capacity building, technical assistance and support, and nonprofit infrastructure.
• MNA supports programs and employment practices that promote employee health and well-being and create a competitive and sustainable nonprofit workforce.

MNA protects the advocacy and lobbying rights of 501(c)(3) organizations and encourages Montana nonprofits to engage in nonpartisan advocacy activities to advance their missions.

• MNA supports policies that ensure 501(c)(3) nonprofits can advocate fully and freely within the law, and corrects misperceptions regarding lobbying laws and regulations for nonprofits.
• MNA opposes policies that restrict the advocacy rights and responsibilities of nonprofits.
• MNA supports measures to preserve and protect nonpartisanship in the work of charitable nonprofits.

MNA supports policies and activities that promote the ability of nonprofits and the people they serve to participate in the institutions and processes of democracy.

• MNA supports policies that protect and increase the ability of Montanans to exercise their voting rights.
• MNA advocates for and engages in outreach to support a fair and accurate Census count.
• MNA supports policies that preserve the rights of nonprofits to participate in nonpartisan direct democracy.
• MNA supports transparent and accessible public participation in the policymaking process.

MNA supports a budget structure, including both revenue and appropriations, that meets the needs of today’s, and tomorrow’s, Montana.

• MNA supports public investment in resources that equitably meet the needs of Montana’s people.
• MNA supports budget investments that advance public/nonprofit partnerships as an effective way to support local communities.
• MNA supports a fair and balanced tax structure that sustainably funds public programs and resources, and meets the needs of our state for the long term.
• MNA opposes broad budget cuts that harm communities and undermine the ability of nonprofits to deliver vital services.

MNA recognizes that Montana’s most pressing challenges require strong public policy solutions. These foundational issues shape community well-being, directly affect the nonprofit workforce, and influence the ability of nonprofits to carry out their missions. These priorities are intended to reflect current critical, statewide priorities and align with the broad, community-focused values of the nonprofit sector.

• MNA supports policies to increase access to affordable housing, strengthening the nonprofit workforce and sustainability of local communities.
• MNA supports policies that strengthen Montana’s childcare system, increasing access to quality, affordable care for Montana’s workers and families.
• MNA supports policies that protect and increase access to healthcare, including in rural communities.
• MNA supports policies that advance economic security for Montana families and workers.