Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy: Take Action Against H.R. 9495

Nonprofits play a vital role in a democracy by empowering communities to advocate for their needs, organize around shared goals and serve vulnerable populations. They often fill gaps in services where government and private sector efforts fall short, amplifying the voices of the marginalized and fostering innovation that addresses society’s toughest challenges.

But nonprofits - and their essential role in our communities - are under threat. 

H.R. 9495, a bill currently moving through Congress, poses an unprecedented danger to the nonprofit sector and, by extension, to the democratic freedoms we all rely on.

The Hidden Danger in H.R. 9495

You might read the title of H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, and think it’s focused on combating terrorism and aiding hostages—a noble cause. But beneath this misleading language lies a dangerous provision granting unchecked power to label nonprofits as “terrorist-supporting” without evidence—silencing critical voices and dismantling civil society.

If passed, this bill would grant the executive branch to label nonprofits as ‘terrorist-supporting’ without due process, allowing them to shut down organizations they disagree with—no evidence required.

This bill isn’t about protecting against terrorism—it’s about silencing dissent. It’s an anti-First Amendment weapon wrapped in anti-terrorist packaging, and it sets a dangerous precedent.

Why This Matters to Everyone

H.R. 9495 poses a grave threat to the core freedoms that define our democracy—freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and the freedom to advocate. If passed, it could allow any administration to:

• Shut down organizations fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice or labor unions
• Target religious congregations, universities or community nonprofits over ideological differences
• Seize nonprofit assets, intimidate future advocacy and deter dissent

This bill doesn’t just affect one side of the aisle. It endangers all nonprofits, from food banks and faith-based organizations to environmental groups and educational institutions. Imagine a world where political agendas silence critical community services and voices.

What’s at Stake for Nonprofits and Communities

Nonprofits play a vital role in building healthier, more just communities. They provide essential services like healthcare, education, and housing. They amplify the voices of marginalized groups and hold those in power accountable.

This bill threatens to strip nonprofits of their ability to serve and advocate. Without the nonprofit sector, our communities lose a crucial mechanism for civic engagement, innovation and change.

The ripple effects would be devastating—impacting individuals and entire communities who rely on nonprofits for advocacy, resources and support.

What You Can Do Today

The fight to stop HR 9495 has moved to the Senate. Here’s how you can take action right now:

1. Call your Senators. Urge them to reject H.R. 9495. Vu from Nonprofit AF has linked to this helpful document with detailed explanations, scripts and lists of elected officials who voted for or chose not vote at all on this dangerous bill: LINK
2. Spread the Word. Share this post or write your own to raise awareness, then use your social and offline personal networks to ensure people know what’s at stake.
3. Support Advocacy Efforts. Donate to or volunteer with organizations leading the fight against this bill, such as the NAACP and ACLU. Your contributions help field legal challenges, public education campaigns and direct advocacy with lawmakers.

Nonprofits are more than service providers—they are defenders of democracy. They are the lifeblood of civil society, and defending them is defending democracy. 

Now is the time to act to ensure our communities continue to have a voice and protect the freedoms that allow nonprofits to serve and advocate for the public good. We stand with our nonprofit clients and friends; let’s do this.