by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
The current political climate is enough to make a therapist need a therapist. Everything is polarized. Everything is politicized….even the missions and programming of nonprofits. You know, NONPARTISAN nonprofits. It’s presenting some unique challenges for those of us in the nonprofit sector. We, the purveyors of community betterment and humanitarian assistance, find ourselves increasingly entangled in the webs of partisan discourse. Our aim, quite simply, is to enhance the human experience. To nourish, shelter, educate, and protect. Yet, in a world where every action is a potential political chess move, even the most altruistic endeavors are subject to scrutiny. It’s becoming so exhausting that you don’t want to make any moves at all, really.
Now, let’s be clear: nonprofits should be involved in advocacy and public policy work. It’s a crucial part of our mission to protect and support the communities we serve. We advocate for policies that improve lives, secure funding for vital programs, and ensure that the voices of those we serve are heard. However, this advocacy is about championing causes, not political parties. It’s about fighting for clean water, affordable housing, and high-impact education, not red or blue agendas.
The heightened polarization has created a rather perplexing environment. Where once we were viewed as neutral arbiters, united in our desire to serve, we now navigate a landscape where even the most innocuous collaborations are perceived as political allegiances. A partnership with a local government? Suddenly, we’re political allies. A grant from a foundation? Cue the accusations of hidden agendas. We’re spending an inordinate amount of time explaining our neutrality, rather than, you know, actually being neutral and doing the good work we’re here for. It’s a tad inefficient, to say the least.
We, as nonprofits, long for a return to a time when our efforts were judged on their merits, not their perceived political leanings. We yearn for the opportunity to collaborate with individuals and organizations across the political spectrum, united by a common desire to improve our communities. We wish to work with both sides of the aisle to achieve tangible results. We believe that our commitment to our communities should transcend political boundaries. We are not, and do not wish to be, political pawns. We simply desire to do good, to make a positive impact, and to do so without the constant, rather tiresome, burden of political conjecture.
Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. Why, exactly, are nonprofits so adamant about staying out of the political fray? It’s not about being timid or lacking opinions; it’s about being strategically effective.
Trust? It’s Our Currency.
Imagine your local animal shelter suddenly sporting campaign stickers. Half the town would be scratching their heads, wondering if the puppies are now being assigned based on political affiliation. Nonprofits operate on trust. People donate, volunteer, and partner with us because they believe we’re doing good, not playing political games. If we get tagged as partisan, poof!—trust evaporates, and so does our ability to function. It’s like a doctor who only treats patients from one political party; it just doesn’t work. Those puppies don’t care if they end up in a Republican, Democrat, Green Party, or Independent home. The doggie chow tastes the same anywhere.
Mission First, Political Shenanigans Last.
We’re built to tackle specific problems: hunger, homelessness, environmental woes, you name it. We’re not exactly swimming in resources. So, if we start throwing our limited funds and staff into political campaigns, where’s that money coming from? Straight from the programs that help people. Think of a soup kitchen using its grocery budget to fund political ads. It’s a recipe for disaster. And when our chosen politician doesn’t win, do you think she is going to be motivated to support and defend our partisan soup kitchen?
Building Bridges, Not Moats.
In a world already overflowing with division, nonprofits often serve as vital connectors. We create spaces where people from all walks of life can come together to address shared challenges. If we take sides, we become just another source of conflict. Picture a community garden that suddenly endorses a political candidate. Families who disagree will feel unwelcome, and the garden loses its power to unite. We’re about building bridges, not moats.
Tax-Exempt Status: Our Lifeline.
Here’s the legal bit: we get tax breaks because we’re doing public good, not because we’re playing politics. If we start engaging in partisan activities, we risk losing those breaks. That means less money for programs, less help for people, and potentially, closing our doors. It’s not a risk we’re willing to take.
No “Dark Money” Nonsense.
We believe in transparency and accountability. We want people to know where our money comes from and how it’s used. Getting involved in partisan politics opens the door to shady dealings, and we want no part of it. Imagine a church that accepts donations from a certain political party. Do you want politics dictating what is said in your house of worship? Or if dark money funded Tennessee Nonprofit Network’s research. Do you think we could keep the funders’ agenda out of it? Probably not.
Serving Everyone, No Exceptions.
We’re here to help everyone in need, regardless of their political beliefs. Imagine a free clinic turning away patients based on their voting record. It’s absurd, right? We get that. We’re about helping people, not enforcing political litmus tests.
The Long Game: Protecting Our Integrity.
At the end of the day, we’re playing the long game. We want to protect our reputation and our ability to keep doing good. Staying nonpartisan is the best way to build trust, avoid distractions, and keep our doors open. It’s not about being timid; it’s about being smart.
And here’s the kicker: we want to be nonpartisan. It’s not just a legal obligation; it’s a preference. We know it’s the best way to be effective. It’s how we keep building those bridges, and keep the focus on helping people. So, next time you hear someone suggesting nonprofits are political entities, remember: we’re playing the long game, and we’re doing it for all the right reasons. We’re here to make a difference, and we’d really appreciate it if everyone would just let us do our thing.