Policy Resources

Minnesota State Legislature - The Minnesota State Legislature has a user-friendly website that allows users to find their legislators, search for and track bills, find statutes, and many other useful links.

NP Action - NPAction is an online resource that provides tools and information for nonprofit advocacy. It provides a constantly updated mix of information and tools, drawn from the expertise of organizations and seasoned advocates across a wide range of advocacy activities and policy disciplines, in order to encourage greater participation by nonprofits in the policy arena. The site features articles and research on a range of topics, including capacity building, nonprofit advocacy, and the laws and regulations governing lobbying and voter education.  There are interactive tools, including polls, quizzes, and forums and links to a wide variety of policy resources for nonprofits. The site also has a calendar of training and capacity-building opportunities for advocates and a service to contact elected officials and the news media at the national, state, and local levels.

Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI) - CLPI promotes, supports and protects 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy and lobbying in order to strengthen participation in our democratic society and advance charitable missions. Their website provides information on why lobbying is important, what the lobbying laws are, how to lobby, and how to motivate others to lobby.

Alliance for Justice - A national association of environmental, civil rights, mental health, women's, children's and consumer advocacy organizations which works to advance the cause of justice for all Americans, strengthen the public interest community's ability to influence public policy, and foster the next generation of advocates.  They have several helpful publications on federal law and nonprofit lobbying and election year activities.

Independent Sector - An organization bringing foundations, nonprofit groups and corporate giving programs together to support philanthropy, volunteering and civic action.

OMB Watch - OMB Watch is an important Federal policy resource including current legislative updates and position papers.  They concentrate on five main areas: budget and government performance issues; regulatory and government accountability; information for democracy and community; nonprofit advocacy; and nonprofit policy and technology.

Center on Budget & Policy Priorities - The CBPP is a nonpartisan research organization and policy institute that conducts research on a range of government policies and programs, with an emphasis on those affecting low- and moderate income people.

Economic Policy Institute - The Economic Policy Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that seeks to broaden the public debate about strategies to achieve a prosperous and fair economy.

National Priorities Project - The National Priorities Project helps the public understand and shape the federal budget to meet community needs by providing: analysis of critical budget issues, state and local data, and tools for local action.  

Questions? Comments? Contact Jeannie Fox at jeannie@mncn.org