Forefront is speaking daily with policymakers on local, state, and federal levels to advocate for the social impact sector and provide our community with the most up-to-date information on governmental response to the COVID-19 outbreak. We will continually update this page as new developments occur and resources are available.
To get in touch about policy response and Forefront’s plan of action, contact Bryan Zarou, Director of Public Policy, at bzarou@myforefront.org.
Tuesday, February 23: On Monday, President Biden announced a two-week period in which the Small Business Administration will only process Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for employers with fewer than 20 employees and those that are minority-owned. The priority period will run from February 24 through March 9. Read this fact sheet from the Biden administration.
Thursday, February 11: Last night, the House Small Business Committee approved a $50 billion relief package that allows nonprofits with more than 500 employees and operating in more than one location to secure PPP forgivable loans. The package also removes the nonprofit affiliation rule included in the CARES Act. The bill now goes to the House Budget Committee to be included in a comprehensive aid package that is expected to go to a vote on February 22. View the news release, view the full bill, and access a section-by-section bill summary.
Monday, January 25: A coalition of nonprofit organizations sent an initial letter to federal leaders urging Congress and the President to enact a package of solutions tailored to the needs and realities of nonprofits serving the public good. Learn more and sign on.
Friday, January 8: The Small Business Administration’s newest news release offers new guidance for the Paycheck Protection Program, which will re-open the week of January 11.
Thursday, January 7: The Small Business Administration released additional PPP guidance on Wednesday, January 6, interpreting provisions of the new COVID relief law:
Monday, December 21: Leaders in both chambers of Congress have reached an agreement over a new stimulus bill to help support millions of Americans as they continue to struggle with the impact of COVID-19 on their health, livelihood, and community. Read a summary of the key issues addressed by the new bill.
Friday, December 18: Thanks to the advocacy work of Forefront and our partners, the City of Chicago is delaying the implementation of its nonprofit lobbying laws until at least April 1, 2021. Forefront is committed to working diligently with The Chicago Board of Ethics and the Mayor’s Office to share our Members’ concerns about this law, and on working toward amendments that increase transparency in Chicago. See the announcement to learn more.
To access additional Forefront resources, as well as webinars, reports, free tools, and other information from across the country, visit our COVID-19 resources page.
