By Elsa Tamayo Alvarez, Member Services
I’ve worked with local nonprofits for a while now, and I’ve seen how much effort and care goes into serving the community. So when I watched the House hearing titled “Public Funds, Private Agendas: NGOs Gone Wild,” it really frustrated me.
Led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the hearing was full of accusations that nonprofits are secretly funneling money to political causes. There were dramatic charts, bold claims, and not a lot of space for actual facts. Most nonprofits aren’t political machines. They’re organizations doing the everyday work of feeding families, helping people find housing, and supporting those who need it most.
Diane Yentel, President and CEO, National Council of Nonprofits, the only witness called by Democrats during the hearing, held her ground. Diane is a nationally renowned nonprofit leader with nearly 30 years of experience working for, with, and in support of the sector. Before her current role as President and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, she led the National Low Income Housing Coalition for nine years. She stayed calm even as lawmakers interrupted her and tried to tear her down personally. Instead of listening, they questioned her character and tried to paint all nonprofits as corrupt or dangerous.
Let’s be honest. This isn’t about accountability. It’s about control. It’s about punishing groups that don’t fall in line or that dare to speak up. And if national nonprofits are being attacked like this, imagine what that means for smaller, local ones that don’t have the resources to defend themselves.
I care about this because I’ve seen what these organizations do up close. I’ve helped share their stories, supported their events, and heard from the people they serve. These nonprofits are doing real work that matters. They don’t deserve to be used as political targets.
This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Nonprofits are here to serve, and we need to protect their ability to do that.