Congressional Earmarks are Back: What it means for nonprofits

May 26, 2021

After being terminated nearly a decade ago, the practice of funding home-state projects is back. Members of Congress are once again accepting earmarks for spending bills for the next fiscal year allowing lawmakers to direct funds towards specific projects in their home states or districts.

The practice was reinstated because lawmakers argue that the absence of these earmarks has weakened their ability to influence where funds are spent in their states and districts. Now there are added measures to boost transparency and accountability so the earmarks accomplish what they were initially intended to do – allocate government funds where they are needed most.

Byrne Pelofsky is working with our congressional delegation on both sides of the state line to advocate for our clients’ projects. Lawmakers will accept appropriations requests for projects that directly benefit the constituents of the state or local community. Members are allowed to submit only 10 projects to the Appropriations Committee on behalf of eligible nonprofits and state or local government grantees.

This is an exciting opportunity not only for the Greater Kansas City community but also the country at large. The next time you see your legislator, thank them for all they are doing for our community.

For more information on how Byrne Pelofsky helps our clients develop connections at the local, state and federal levels, give us a call at 816.237.1999 or email us at info@byrnepelofsky.com.

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