In The Wake of Political Violence: What Your Nonprofit Needs to Know
By Laura Dunford for Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
As Minnesotans continue to mourn the political assassination of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman, as well as the politically motivated attack against Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits unequivocally condemns all political violence. As the White House and congressional leaders continue to react to the appalling killing of Charlie Kirk, we are deeply concerned by the increased rhetoric blaming nonprofits without any evidence.
Recent political events impacting nonprofits
On September 15, Vice President JD Vance said, “we’re going to go after the NGO network that foments, facilitates, and engages in violence,” and specifically (and baselessly) tied several major foundations as funders and supporters of political violence. In addition, 35 members of Congress issued a letter, calling on Congress to investigate the alleged role of nonprofits and foundations.
On September 22, the President signed an Executive Order, “Designating Antifa as a Domestic Terrorist Organization.” The White House says many other actions could follow the designation, including the possibility of criminal charges, unilateral revocation of tax-exempt status, or criminal investigations opened against foundations or other nonprofits that the Administration determines, without proof, have supported a decentralized and leaderless movement.
On September 25, the President issued a Memorandum, “Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence,” authorizing government-wide investigations into nonprofits, activists, and their donors and funders.
This is also happening at the same time that our federal administration is attempting to dismantle a 70+ year bipartisan supported amendment protecting nonprofits’ ability to remain nonpartisan. (More: What is the Johnson Amendment and why does it matter?)
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