Florida Nonprofits Share Concerns About Potential Property Tax Amendment Impacts
In July, Florida Nonprofit Alliance surveyed nonprofit organizations across the state to better understand how Amendment 3 could impact nonprofit funding, operations, and services.
The findings point to significant concern across Florida's nonprofit sector, particularly among organizations that partner with local governments, receive public funding, or meet community needs that are not otherwise addressed through public services.
Survey Results
Should Amendment 3 pass, Florida counties and municipalities are projected to lose billions of dollars in annual revenue. As local governments adjust their budgets to account for that lost revenue, funding for nonprofit grants, contracts, and partnerships could face cuts alongside other community priorities.
91% of survey respondents said local government funding is highly important to carrying out their mission. Nearly half of respondents receive at least 25% of their annual revenue from local government sources, while 28% receive at least half of their annual revenue from local government.
Respondents said that reductions in local government funding could force their organizations to make difficult operational decisions, including scaling back programs, limiting the number of people they serve, or reducing staff.
At the same time, reductions in public services could increase the number of Floridians turning to nonprofits for assistance. Survey respondents indicated that this could create a one-two punch for Florida communities: nonprofits could have fewer resources available while facing greater demand for the programs and support they provide.
When asked which community-based programs would be most significantly affected, respondents identified a broad range, including support for people with disabilities, homelessness prevention, after-school and summer programs for children, and assistance for crime victims.
Proposed Property Tax Amendment Nonprofit Impact Survey Infographic
Explore key findings from FNA's statewide survey and learn how potential reductions in local government revenue could affect nonprofit funding, operations, and the communities they serve.
Download
Activating the Findings
FNA is using the survey findings to strengthen the resources available to nonprofit organizations communicating about the proposed amendment.
FNA has been actively working with communications professionals, nonprofit leaders, and other partners to develop a Property Tax Amendment Messaging Toolkit informed by the survey findings and additional message research.
The toolkit will provide nonprofits with a framework for explaining what the amendment could mean for Florida communities and the nonprofit organizations that serve them. Resources will be designed so organizations can adapt the messages for their own audiences, communities, and advocacy activities.
The Property Tax Amendment Messaging Toolkit will be released by the end of August.
How Your Organization Can Get Involved
In the meantime, FNA has resources and upcoming events to help Florida nonprofits understand the proposed amendment, consider what it could mean for their organizations and communities, and prepare to engage.
Learn about the proposed amendment and its potential impact.
Visit FNA's Property Tax Resource Center for information about the amendment, its potential effects on local government revenue and nonprofit organizations, research and analysis, and additional resources.
Nonprofit organizations are also encouraged to visit our Property Tax Resources for Nonprofits page for additional tools designed to support organizational planning and advocacy.
Join an upcoming event.
FNA will continue hosting opportunities for nonprofit leaders to learn about the amendment, discuss its potential implications, and prepare for the months ahead.
View upcoming property tax events and register here.
Engage your community.
Nonprofits can play an important role in helping Floridians participate in the election while remaining nonpartisan. FNA's Voter Engagement Guide provides practical guidance to help 501(c)(3) organizations understand what they can do, including voter education, registration, and get-out-the-vote activities.
Stay connected.
FNA will continue adding new information and tools to our Property Tax Resource Center, including the forthcoming Messaging Toolkit. Check back regularly and watch for FNA updates as additional resources become available.
Sign up for updates here.