Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (Orthodox Union), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, welcomed the U.S. Senate’s re-introduction of the Work Opportunities and Resources to Keep Nonprofit Organizations Well (WORK NOW) Act, S. 740, legislation that will help nonprofits meet the increasing need for charitable assistance due to the coronavirus pandemic, preserve and create jobs among nonprofits, reduce unemployment and promote economic recovery.

The bill, introduced by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), will establish a grant program to provide emergency relief to eligible nonprofits, especially those whose workers are serving community needs that have increased because of the pandemic. The Orthodox Union is part of a coalition of nonprofits nationwide backing and pressing for the passage of the WORK NOW Act.

The pandemic’s blow to nonprofit workers is stark; according to a recent study, almost a million nonprofit workers lost their jobs between February 2020 and January 2021, a 7.7 percent decline.

Said Nathan Diament, the Orthodox Union’s executive director for public policy:
“America’s nonprofits are on the front lines of the pandemic, working day in and day out to make sure our communities get the help and sustenance they so desperately need. At the same, these organizations are facing the twin challenges of dwindling donations and decreases in revenue, which has resulted in dramatic job loss. Now, more than ever, our nonprofits must get the support they need so they may hire more workers, scale their efforts and help the many people who count on us during these times of crisis.”

Said Orthodox Union President Mark (Moishe) Bane:
We are grateful to Sen. Klobuchar for her dedication and focus on helping the charitable sector weather the pandemic. Without the assistance provided by the WORK NOW Act, more charities won’t have the staff to help others and will be forced to shut their doors. We urge the Senate to pass this legislation swiftly, and for the U.S. House to follow suit.”