Public Policy Articles & Analysis

On March 27, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order directing North Carolinians to stay at home (i.e. to remain in their home, their place of residence, or their principle abode) for 30 days, beginning on March 30 at 5 p.m., to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in North Carolina. The order also prohibits most mass gatherings of 10 or more people.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), a bipartisan stimulus bill, provides significant relief for nonprofits struggling through the COVID-19 crisis and for many of their employees and clients. Several provisions are of particular importance to nonprofits, including:

As Governor Roy Cooper and state legislators develop policy solutions to best equip North Carolina to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that they take action to support the operations of the thousands of nonprofit organizations in the state that are struggling. Nonprofits provide essential services in communities in all 100 counties of North Carolina, often in partnership with the public sector. Nonprofits are also a substantial employer, comprising more than 10% of North Carolina’s private workforce.

On December 17, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation to repeal the tax on nonprofit parking and transportation expenses as part of a large tax and spending package. The U.S. Senate approved the bill on December 19, and President Donald Trump was expected to sign it into law on December 20.

On Giving Tuesday, Congressman Mark Walker (R-NC) re-introduced the Universal Charitable Giving Act. The Center issued the following statement of support for this bill.