The likelihood of increased privacy and data regulation of nonprofits  in the U.S. is not a question of “whether”, but “when” and “how onerous.”

The gathering storm over real and imagined abuses by Facebook, Google and other big tech platforms will unleash a downpours of concern, finger-pointing and political grandstanding in the new Congress that convenes in January.

All this is likely to result in privacy regulations of some sort.  Whether regulation will follow a path similar to the GDPR in the EU or take a less onerous route is anybody’s guess.  It’s safer for fundraisers and nonprofits to start thinking and planning for the worst.  Regulations requiring that fundraising communications can be sent only if the donor opt-ins to receive them.  Limitations or prohibitions on the exchange or rental of mailing lists.

We’re not saying this will happen.  We are warning that now is the time to get prepared to mobilize as a sector.

Let’s start our gaze into the future by assessing just how friendly –and knowledgeable–and understanding–the new Congress is toward nonprofits.

In the current Congress there are 101 educators, 28 doctors (plus two nurses and a pharmacist), 26 farmers/ranchers, 21 communications professionals, 21 insurance agents/execs, 18 management consultants, 18 bankers, 16 military reserves or National Guardspeople, 11 accountants, 10 law enforcement officers, 8 ministers, 8 engineers, and on and on.

But no nonprofit executives.

This isn’t to say our leaders are ignorant of nonprofits.  In the United States, from Trump’s America First Policies to Bernie Sanders’ Our Revolution, they are experienced with setting up (c)4 organizations to funnel money for their own political ends.

The type of on-the-ground work that charities do, however, is generally foreign to most politicians.  So, when there is ignorance, the best we can hope for is benign neglect.  The worst are efforts to repeal laws like the Johnson Amendment (prohibiting churches from becoming political soapboxes),  postal  “reforms” over the cost of mailing that would hit us hard, and tax bills that affect giving.

This paltry understanding of the ins and outs of  the nonprofit world’s operations occurs  despite the size and importance of Nonprofitland.  If the global nonprofit sector were a country, we’d be the 16^th largest economy in the world, ahead of powerhouses like Saudi Arabia.  (And yet, imagine the uproar if one of our executives had a journalist disassembled with a bone saw.)

Historically, we haven’t been at the Congressional decision-making the table in force; thus we’ve been on the menu.  It’s time to clear our throats and yell out our YOPP.

That’s why we’re delighted that a potent, new organization aimed at giving our sector far more clout has arrived on the scene in the nick of time.  It’s name: the The Nonprofit Alliance.  Its goal:  to represent the rich tapestry of nonprofit organizations in the United States.  By banding together in the new Nonprofit Alliance, our sector can drive policy on federal and state issues of importance to us and to those we serve.

In addition to providing clout on Capitol Hill and state legislatures The Nonprofit Alliance  also aims to sharpen the  education and skills development of the sector.  That’s been an Agitator | DonorVoice focus since our inceptions; we applaud any efforts to move our collective intelligence forward.

So what can–and should–  you do?

1. Sign up for The Nonprofit Alliance email alerts to learn more about this new organization.
2. Become a Founding Member by the end of the year if that’s within your (or your organization’s) means
3. Let us know in the comments section what types of educational opportunities you’d like to see. Nick is working with the Education Committee for the Alliance and would benefit from your help.

The privacy storm is coming.  Let’s start preparing. Sign up for The Nonprofit Alliance alerts today.

Roger and Nick

P.S.  Those who were studying spreadsheets instead of Dr. Seuss may need a reminder of the origin of “Yopp!”.  From Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who that occupies a prominent place in the Agitator library:

“This,” cried the Mayor, “is your town’s darkest hour!
The time for all Who who have blood that is red
To come to the aid of their country,” he said.
“We’ve GOT to make noises in greater amounts!
So, open your mouth, lad!” For every voice counts!”

Thus he spoke as he climbed. When they got to the top,
The lad cleared his throat and he shouted out, “Yopp!”

And that Yopp… That one small extra Yopp put it over!
Finally, at last! From that speck on that clover
Their voices were heard! They rang out clear and clean.
And the elephant smiled. “Do you see what I mean?