Joint Letter Calls for $60 Billion So Nonprofits Can Continue to Serve Those in Need
The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of American (Orthodox Union) – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization – has joined nonprofits nationwide in issuing a letter to Congress requesting $60 billion to help the nonprofit charitable sector continue to serve vulnerable families and communities in the wake of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The letter, signed by almost 150 leading charities including the Orthodox Union, states: “America’s charities are frontline responders providing food, shelter, medical services and other critical services to those in need in their communities. At this crucial time when the American people and governments will depend even more on charitable nonprofits, contributions are likely to decrease as happened following the 2008 recession. Without dramatic and immediate financial and programmatic backstop from government, America’s charitable nonprofits and the people we serve face a precipitous decline in mission services at a time when our efforts are needed like never before by the most vulnerable in our communities.”
The request to Congress would help nonprofits maintain operations, expand scope to address increasing demands and stabilize losses from closures throughout the country. It also includes several specific recommendations for assistance to help the nonprofit sector serve the American people, such as providing business continuity relief, payroll tax credit relief and an “above-the-line,” or universal charitable deduction, for contributions through the end of 2021.
Said Orthodox Union President Mark (Moishe) Bane:
“As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread across the United States, more attention must be focused on disruptions to America’s charities. Now, more than ever, we must not forget about the most vulnerable in our communities who count on the Orthodox Union and other charities such as ours for social welfare services, education, health and spiritual care.”
Said Orthodox Union Executive Director for Public Policy Nathan Diament:
“We strongly urge the President and Congress to take swift action to help us so that we, and so many other nonprofits across the country, may continue to serve our communities and provide them the help they need during this uncertain and precarious time.”