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.

To learn more about our advocacy efforts, view our recent press mentions.

Track Legislation

In-Progress Bills and Resolutions

Illinois House

HB0011 – Changes to the Charitable Trust Fund

Date filed: 1/20/2021
Sponsor: Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin

Amends the Charitable Trust Stabilization Act. Provides that special attention shall be given to public and private entities with operating budgets of less than $2,000,000 (currently, $1,000,000) that are located within a depressed area. Provides that moneys in the Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund may be used for grants for operational purposes of organizations participating under the Act (currently, grants for the start-up or operational purposes of participating organizations).

HB 1761 – Revenue Endow Illinois

Date filed: 2/17/2021
Sponsor: Rep. Michael Zalewski

Creates the Endow Illinois Tax Credit Act and amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Requires the Department of Revenue to authorize an income tax credit to taxpayers who provide an endowment gift to a permanent endowment fund. Sets forth procedures and criteria for authorizing the credits. Provides that the aggregate amount of all credits that the Department of Revenue may authorize may not exceed $10,000,000 in 2022, $25,000,000 in 2023, or $50,000,000 in 2024 and each calendar year thereafter.

Illinois Senate

SB0172 Raising of the Audit Threshold – Solicitation Charity
Date filed: 2/9/2021
Sponsor: Senator Laura Murphy

Amends the Solicitation for Charity Act. Provides that every charitable organization registered under the Act which shall receive in any 12-month period contributions in excess of $750,000 (rather than $300,000), shall file a written report with the Attorney General, which shall include a financial statement containing information provided for in the Act. Makes a conforming change.

SB 2052 – Revenue Endow Illinois

Date filed: 2/26/2021
Sponsor: Sen. Omar Aquino

Creates the Endow Illinois Tax Credit Act and amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Requires the Department of Revenue to authorize an income tax credit to taxpayers who provide an endowment gift to a permanent endowment fund. Sets forth procedures and criteria for authorizing the credits. Provides that the aggregate amount of all credits that the Department of Revenue may authorize may not exceed $10,000,000 in 2022, $25,000,000 in 2023, or $50,000,000 in 2024 and each calendar year thereafter.

Take Action

Sector-Wide Developments

Tuesday, June 1: The State of Illinois has adopted new Ethics laws that will affect the nonprofit community regarding lobbying. Though not all of our collective concerns (as outlined in our letter to the Illinois House and Senate Ethics Committees) were addressed, we were able to make important changes to the laws to lessen the burden on our sector. This summer, the State has committed to working with nonprofit groups to amend these laws so they are more amenable for the 501(c)3 community. The new laws do not take place until January 1, 2022. Forefront will reach out to our Membership this summer to make sure your voices and concerns are heard before the state’s veto session in the Fall.
Forefront is also continuing to work with the City of Chicago to help lessen the burden of nonprofit lobbying registration and reporting. We will continue to provide updates as they occur.

Monday, May 10: This week, the Treasury Department issued an Interim Final Rule and other materials providing details on the ways the American Rescue Plan’s $350 billion in Fiscal Recovery Funds “can be used to respond to acute pandemic-response needs, fill revenue shortfalls among state and local governments, and support the communities and populations hardest-hit by the COVID-19 crisis.” Some provisions allow the government to provide relief for nonprofit organizations. Forefront is contacting state government leaders to advocate that money from the American Rescue Act must be used to help our sector.

Monday, April 26: The Illinois House of Representatives has passed the Post-Graduation Scholarship resolution. Led by Forefront and the Alliance of Community Foundations, this resolution recommends Community Foundations offer post-graduation scholarships to distressed communities across the state. This is a step towards combating the student loan crisis and creating equity among underserved areas across Illinois wrestling with low graduation rates, loss of essential workers, and devastating population loss. Thank you to Representative Ryan Spain for helping lead this effort.

Tuesday, April 13: Governor Pritzker has signed HB-3653 into law, setting into motion a number of reforms targeting the inequities embedded in Illinois’ criminal legal system.

Tuesday, March 30: President Biden has signed legislation extending the Paycheck Protection Program until May 31. Forefront has championed this legislation and is thrilled that more nonprofits will now have a chance to secure funding.

Thursday, March 25: Today, a resolution introduced by Representative Ryan Spain and sponsored by Forefront and Illinois community foundations passed the Higher Education Committee with a vote of 10-0-0. This resolution will give Illinois community foundations the backing needed to form post-graduation scholarship programs.

Thursday, March 25: Today, the Senate voted to extend the Payroll Protection Program. President Biden is expected to sign legislation extending the program until May 31.

Tuesday, March 9: The American Rescue Act is scheduled to be signed by the President later this week. This $1.9 trillion comprehensive relief package is designed to help state and local governments, unemployment insurance, those behind on rent and mortgage, and nonprofits and businesses negatively impacted. Read a summary of the bill.

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:
- Interim Final Rule on Paycheck Protection Program as Amended by Economic Aid Act (released 1/6/2021)
- Interim Final Rule on Second Draw Loans (released 1/6/2021)
- SBA Guidance on Accessing Capital for Minority, Underserved, Veteran and Women-Owned Business Concerns (released 1/6/2021)

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.

For updates dating back to March 2020, view our complete COVID-19 policy timeline.

Other Resources

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.