FEDERAL UPDATES

Legislative Briefing with Senate Majority Leader Schumer 

March 26, 1:00 - 2:00 PM

How the American Rescue Plan Act impacts nonprofits will be discussed, and the Senator will provide additional updates. Please send proposed questions to Chai Jindasurat, at cjindasurat@nonprofitnewyork.org by 5:00 pm Thursday, March 25.

Please be advised that due to time constraints, the briefing will begin promptly at 1:00 PM. 

The American Rescue Plan Act: Analysis and Summary of Key Provisions Affecting Nonprofits and the People They Serve

Download the chart below provided by the National Council of Nonprofits for an outstanding summary of what the plan means to nonprofits, important deadlines and other information.

Download the Analysis of Key Provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans

The law adds $7.25 billion to the program and expands eligibility to nonprofits with more than 500 employees that operate at multiple locations as long as no more than 500 employees work at any one location. 

Find More Information Here.

Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) Program

In a win for performing arts nonprofits, the bill allows them to apply for funds under both the PPP and Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) program, although a SVOG grant would have to be reduced by the amount of any PPP loan. Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees.

Find More Information Here.

Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance

$15 billion additional for (EIDL) payments, including NEW $5 billion for Supplemental Targeted EIDL Advance payments for those hardest hit.

Find More Information Here.

Employee Retention Tax Credit

Nonprofits and other employers can claim both PPP loan forgiveness and the employee retention tax credit (ERTC) for 2020. This means that employers may qualify for the refundable payroll tax credit with respect to wages that are not paid for with forgiven PPP proceeds.

What You Can Do Now: File with the IRS to receive the refundable payroll tax credit. Learn more by reading the article Nonprofits, Don’t Overlook Your Potential Refund Under the Employee Retention Tax Credit.

Federal Unemployment Coverage

The bill extends various federal benefits for unemployed workers through September 6, 2021, including a provision that increases from 50% to 75% the federal coverage of the unemployment costs of reimbursing nonprofits. The new law also provides continued coverage for self-employed workers and staff of religious and very small nonprofits.

Aid to State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Governments

The law provides $350 billion in aid but imposes restrictions on how governments may spend the funds. Permissible uses include providing “assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries,” funding services that governments cut due to declines in revenue brought on by the pandemic, and making “necessary investments” in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure. The money may not be used to subsidize tax cuts or pay public pension obligations.

STATE UPDATES

Public Facing Nonprofit Workers Vaccine Eligible March 17

Beginning March 17, public facing nonprofit workers in New York will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. New Yorkers can make appointments at state-run vaccination sites by utilizing New York's 'Am I Eligible' tool or calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX.

Sign on to support S4817/A1141

Every year, most 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations registered with the NY Attorney General’s Charities Bureau must file their full federal tax filing with the Charities Bureau. As of January 1, 2021, those organizations will have to file the same documents again with the Department of State. (See Exec. Law 172-b) This is a wholly unnecessary, redundant filing requirement. It is particularly burdensome at a time when nonprofits are trying to streamline operations to save money. S4817/A1141 would eliminate the duplicate Department of State filing requirement and require the state to keep donor identification information confidential. 

NY State Empire Pandemic Response Reimbursement Fund: $29 Million Available to Support Essential Workers and First Responders

Program to Assist Essential Workers and First Responders with Urgent Economic Needs Amidst Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic

• Up to $1,000 Available per Household
• Reimburse out-of-pocket childcare, transportation, lodging and other qualifying expenses that enabled workers to perform their duties.
• Workers should be referred by employers, unions or social service providers who can verify employment during the COVID emergency.
• Families who earn up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level - or $125,470 for a family of four - are eligible to apply for the funds to cover expenses.
• Awards will be made to eligible applicants for eligible expenditures on a first come, first served basis until funding is exhausted.
• The Empire Pandemic Response Reimbursement Fund Hotline: Phone: 844-679-3369, Hours: 8:30 - 4:30, Monday - Friday

Sign Up for Notifications:

Sign up to be notified when the applications are available (English)

Sign up to be notified when the applications are available (Spanish)

We are stronger together. 

Become a member or renew today. Join other organizations and businesses dedicated to building a stronger nonprofit sector. Benefit from professional development opportunities, resources, individualized consultation, connections, and collaborations to advance your mission.