The Unified Voice for Kentucky’s Nonprofit Community

In partnership with our members, KNN monitors and takes action on the public policy issues that advance and impact our sector.

Goals of KNN’s Public Policy Program:

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Advance and protect Kentucky’s nonprofit sector

Educate nonprofit organizations on their rights and responsibilities as advocates, as well as the skills needed to engage effectively in advocacy

Enable KNN members to weigh in on significant national policy issues through participation in the policy activities of the National Council of Nonprofits

KNN Public Policy Framework

KNN’s public policy agenda provides clear principles common to all nonprofits regarding policy priorities at the federal, state, and local levels. The following agenda represents our annual framework for addressing public policy that impacts and strengthens nonprofits in Kentucky.

Nonprofit Sector Public Awareness

Educate policy makers and the general public on the breadth, scope and economic importance of the nonprofit sector in Kentucky and in the United States.

Nonprofit Exempt Status Protection

Support actions to preserve and protect the tax-exempt status of nonprofits and promote policies that strengthen the nonprofit economy.

Charitable Giving and Volunteerism

Preserve and enact policies that effectively incentivize citizens to donate and volunteer to support the work of Kentucky’s charitable organizations.

Nonprofit-Government Relations

Improve and strengthen the nonprofit-government relationship through reforms to the contracting and grant making processes. Advocate for government’s payment of the full cost of services provided on its behalf by nonprofits. Encourage all nonprofits to be meaningful participants in the state and local budget processes.

Advocacy and Lobbying Rights, Civic Participation

Protect the rights of all 501 (c)(3) organizations to advocate for their respective missions and strengthen the ability of Kentucky nonprofits to engage in the public policy arena. Protect nonprofits’ right to promote democracy and civic participation, including voting, on a nonpartisan basis.

Best Practices and Accountability

Support actions that provide fair and reasonable expectations of accountability within the nonprofit sector. Enhance the ability of Kentucky nonprofits to function at the highest levels of governance, integrity, efficiency, and transparency and to be accountable to the public they serve, while working to ensure that registration and disclosure requirements are necessary, reasonable, and non-burdensome.

Economic and Workforce Development

Support actions that enhance and strengthen the nonprofit sector’s vital role in Kentucky’s economy. Actively engage in advancing policies that support diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces and communities that will help all Kentuckians thrive, including policies and legislation that address systemic inequities. Oppose legislation or actions that adversely impact or threaten nonprofits, including employment laws and rules, alternative funding mechanisms and sector independence.