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Where fraud has actually occurred + state recommendations
Top takeaway: What actually happened in the most widely reported cases of fraud, plus recommendations that are grounded in evidence. In recent months, MCN has heard from many of you about growing concerns with the public narrative around fraud and nonprofits, and the policy responses that have followed. At the same time, the legislature has…
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MCN Member Spotlight: Happy Dancing Turtle
This is part of a series highlighting MCN members across the state, featuring a vast array of nonprofit focus areas, and celebrating the myriad ways nonprofits enrich lives. With rugged hills, deep river valleys, and large swaths or forest, it’s not surprising that the Driftless Region, the Southeast corner of Minnesota, is home to an…
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Take action: opposing the Gov.’s legislatively named grants ban
Top takeaway: The proposed ban is misguided in its attempt to curb fraud and could be harmful to nonprofits. MCN opposes the ban and we need your help. View the sign on letter and contact your legislator. Earlier this month, Governor Walz announced a number of policy proposals in an effort to curb fraud, including…
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Speak up for your mission: how to start public policy work
This article was written by Marie Ellis, MCN senior public policy advisor, and originally published in the Summer 2025 issue of Nonprofit News: Special Nonprofit Advocacy Issue. Read the full issue. Top takeaway: Every nonprofit has a voice in influencing policies that shape your work and communities. Here’s how to get started. Step 1: Identify…
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MCN Member Spotlight: Eagle Bluff
This is part of a series highlighting MCN members across the state, featuring a vast array of nonprofit focus areas, and celebrating the myriad ways nonprofits enrich lives. MCN member Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center leads with the belief that children need to get back into nature. Located in the hills of Lanesboro, Minnesota, Eagle…
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2026 legislative session, public policy priorities
Top takeaway: 2026 policy priorities include uphold and protect the role of the nonprofit sector; advance budget, tax, and economic policies that create a more equitable Minnesota; build a strong democracy and encourage civic participation. Minnesota’s 2026 legislative session began Tuesday, February 17. MCN and the Minnesota Budget Project hit the ground running, ready to…
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2026 State & Federal Policy Actions – a comprehensive list
Top takeaway: A comprehensive list of state and federal policy actions, listed in reverse chronological order, to help your nonprofit keep track of all the happenings. Find the 2025 list here. How to navigate this document Policy categories have been added in parenthesis following the action title: Federal; State; SNAP; Funding; Nonprofit Attacks; Nonpartisanship; PSLF;…
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Guidance for federal law enforcement encounters at nonprofits
Top takeaway: A sample policy to help your nonprofit prepare for potential Federal Law Enforcement encounters at your nonprofit. Preparation is the most important factor in avoiding mistakes and managing your nonprofit’s encounters with Federal Law Enforcement lawfully and responsibly. Nonprofits who have a written policy like the one below, that understand what Federal Law…
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MCN Member Spotlight: Grand Marais Art Colony
This is part of a series highlighting MCN members across the state, featuring a vast array of nonprofit focus areas, and celebrating the myriad ways nonprofits enrich lives. We recently spoke with Grand Marais Art Colony Artistic Director Ruth Pszwaro about the art scene on the North Shore, new initiatives by the Art Colony, and…
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Partial federal government shutdown over: updates
Top takeaway: Congress and the White House enacted bipartisan legislation on Feb. 3 to reopen and fund key federal agencies, ending a four-day partial government shutdown. Temporary funding for DHS was extended to Feb. 13; if Congress cannot reach an agreement, it risks another partial shutdown. Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Congress and the White House…
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