Government Shutdowns and Nonprofits

Last updated: January 22, 2021

The federal government has experienced serveral partial shutdowns over the past five years when Congress and the White House were unable to agree on spending legislation. Disruptions in federal government services can harm nonprofits and the communities they serve. The National Council of Nonprofits has information on the impact of partial shutdowns of the federal government on the work of nonprofits.

  • Support the position that federal policymakers should not use government shutdowns as a way to settle policy disputes, since government shutdowns hurt nonprofits and the communities they serve.
  • Support policies that will ensure continuity of government services in the future and the continued payment of nonprofits for the services they deliver on behalf of governments.