There are growing concerns with public narratives around fraud and nonprofits, and as a result, the Minnesota Legislature has been advancing proposals that add new oversight to state grants. But are these proposals and narratives grounded in evidence?
MCN has compiled policy recommendations, narrative resources, and compliance guidance to help you advocate for evidence-backed proposals, combat negative messaging, and keep your nonprofit in good standing.
Policy Recommendations
New research
Where fraud has actually occurred + state recommendations
MCN took a closer look at what has actually happened in the most widely reported cases of misuse of public dollars in Minnesota. We reviewed those cases in detail to ensure we could speak clearly and accurately with policymakers, and to help shift the conversation toward solutions that are grounded in evidence.
Free event | April 27, 2:30pm – 4pm, Virtual
Addressing Fraud Town Hall: Evidence-Based Recommendations
Dive into MCN’s new research on the most widely reported cases of fraud, gain a practical refresher from a nonprofit lawyer on the compliance and transparency requirements nonprofits must meet to remain in good standing, and explore advocacy opportunities to push for smart oversight that strengthens program integrity without disrupting critical services.
Narrative Resources
Taking back the narrative: proactive nonprofit talking points
Messaging strategies and talking points that tell the value of our sector’s work before it’s defined by others. We have the stories, the data, the expertise, and the moral clarity to show why a strong nonprofit sector matters.
Setting the record straight: messaging and response guidance
Compiled by the National Council of Nonprofits, this messaging guidance provides clear, consistent language to defend our sector without getting pulled into the noise.
Nonprofit misconceptions: talking points to combat false narratives
Push back on harmful misconceptions vilifying nonprofits, including, Nonprofits don’t impact me; What’s wrong with government efforts to cut grants and save money; State funding is a handout; and Nonprofits are more vulnerable to fraud than other sectors.
Compliance Guidance
Compliance checklist
Best practices and legal requirements for Minnesota nonprofit organizations to remain compliant with state and federal regulations. It includes key filing requirements, governance obligations, audit
thresholds, and fraud prevention strategies.
Free legal services for all Minnesota nonprofits
Minnesota nonprofits continue to operate in a complex and evolving legal environment. MCN and LegalCORPS are here to help with FREE legal services for ALL Minnesota nonprofits, connecting you to real-time referrals for resources and counsel.
Protecting your tax-exempt status
Best practices and legal requirements to help ensure your nonprofit organization remains in compliance with IRS rules and federal/state policies, protecting your 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
Recurring: May – August, virtual
Free Compliance Clinics
Designed for both new and experienced nonprofit leaders, this free one-hour session will help you build or refresh your understanding of the nonprofit legal landscape and support effective, compliant governance.