The Nonprofit Sector and State Governments: Public Policy Issues Facing Nonprofits in North Carolina and Other States

The challenges facing nonprofits in North Carolina and most states include devolution and ripple effects at the state level from federal budget cutbacks, government efforts to tax or further regulate nonprofits, scandals involving a few organizations or their leaders, and efforts to limit nonprofits' right to lobby and advocate for their causes. But the future also holds a number of opportunities for nonprofits, including the increased clout of nonprofits acting together as a sector; partnership initiatives with nonprofits by North Carolina's governor and chief executives in other states, legislative measures to increase charitable giving and reduce red tape, state-level summits following up on the president's push for increased volunteerism, and a reservoir of public trust in nonprofits. North Carolina's experience may predict the future dangers and opportunities in other states.