Advocacy Agenda

Each year, in consultation with Together SC's Advocacy Allies peer network and its leadership team, Together SC's board of directors reviews and adopts an Advocacy Agenda. Issues are separated in to areas where Together SC will lead, support, and monitor - helping Together SC allocate appropriate resources behind various issues based on its impact to the sector.

As South Carolina’s only statewide nonprofit membership organization, Together SC supports the nonprofits within the state through a variety of program offerings, including advocacy. Together SC’s Board of Directors has approved a Public Policy & Advocacy Policy (Policy 4.A.3), giving the organization the ability and charge to conduct advocacy.

Furthermore, the Together SC Board of Directors has also approved a set of Advocacy Principles which provide a clear and concise metric to guide on what issues Together SC will advocate for, or against. Those principles are as follows: 

  1. Whole Sector Impact - Does the legislative issue have the potential to impact the entire nonprofit or charitable industry, either uniquely as a sector, or collectively as a member of the business community at-large?
  2. Charitable Status / Tax Impact - Does the legislative issue have the potential to alter existing tax codes, reporting requirements, or other related filings specific to the charitable sector?
  3. Equity & Social Justice - Does the legislative issue have the potential to strengthen or impede nonprofit organizations’ ability to advance equity and breakdown systems of racial and social injustice within their community? Does it help strengthen, or does it weaken, their ability to operate and /or deliver services equitably within their community?
  4. Democratic Processes - Does the legislative issue have the potential to impact election law or related matters?
  5. Together SC Impact - Does the legislative issue have the potential to impact Together SC’s specific and unique operations?

2020-2021 Together SC Advocacy Agenda

(Together SC board revised and adopted January 25, 2022)

Issues On Which to Lead

Issues in this category are identified by Together SC as of the highest priority, and where the organization feels it can adequately and effectively lead on all matters of advocacy. Issues should have more detailed actions than other categories. While the issues may not have direct legislation attached, Together SC stands ready to take the lead on these issues should the opportunity arise.

1. State Funding for Nonprofits
Advocacy Principles: Whole Sector Impact (1)

Together SC played an integral role in securing $25 million from South Carolina’s CARES Act allocation for nonprofit grants. Relationships and activity since that involvement have led Together SC to work with members, state agencies, and legislators, on proposals that could provide additional funding for nonprofits working on transformative projects that address key issues facing South Carolina. This work should continue to be moved forward.   

2. Get Out the Vote Efforts & Nonprofits

Advocacy Principles: Whole Sector Impact (1), Democratic Processes (4)

Together SC will provide member organizations with resources and connections to encourage voter participation across the state in the 2024 General Election. Not only is 2024 a Presidential election year, but every seat in the Legislature (House/Senate) is also up.

Issues to Support

Issues in this category are usually, but not always, more detailed, potentially with legislation already filed or a process laid out.

1. Federal: National Council of Nonprofits Advocacy Agenda

Lead Organization: National Council of Nonprofits
Together SC Position: In Favor
Advocacy Principles: Whole Sector Impact (1), Charitable Status / Tax Impact (2)

The National Council of Nonprofits, of which Together SC is a member, leads the sector in federal advocacy. As such, Together SC wholly supports their federal agenda. That agenda includes the following focus areas:

  • Tax Policy: Empowering Community Solutions through Nonprofits
  • Budget & Spending: Addressing Community Needs
  • The Economy: Strengthening Communities through Job Creation and Economic Development
  • Public-Private Collaborations for the Public Good
  • Advocacy Rights: Promoting Civic Engagement
  • Public Accountability and Nonprofit Independence: Ensuring Public Trust

The full agenda can be found online at councilofnonprofits.org/public-policy-agenda.

2. Payday Lending Cap

Advocacy Principles: Whole Sector Impact (1), Equity & Social Justice (3)

“Payday Lending” has been flagged by numerous nonprofit organizations focused on social equity, poverty elimination, and more as an industry that can dramatically impact individuals and families negatively. Legislation being considered would cap the interest rate offered by these institutions at 36%, instead of current law which offers no cap.

3. Childcare Access & Expansion

Advocacy Principles: Whole Sector Impact (1), Equity & Social Justice (3)

Our economy is built on access to childcare - for community members and also nonprofit employees. Increased access and availability to quality, safe, and effective childcare will provide stability at home and at work for all South Carolinians.

Issues to Monitor

Many issues in this category are not yet fully defined. Once the Legislature, or relevant state agency, develops a more definitive process or proposal, Together SC may elevate these issues to “Support” or “Lead”.

1. Housing

Advocacy Principles: Whole Sector Impact (1), Equity & Social Justice (3)

Many Together SC members work in and around the issue of “Housing” - be it affordable housing, home ownership, homelessness, or rental/mortgage assistance and relief. Housing is critical to the success of our communities, and the work of our members. Be it temporary or permanent, housing needs in our state directly impact nonprofit missions, staffing, and daily work. Together SC will monitor how these efforts move forward and make members aware of substantial actions.

2. Increased Broadband Access

Advocacy Principles: Whole Sector Impact (1)

Access to quality and reliable internet is vital to many sectors within the nonprofit industry, as well as to the operations of nonprofits. Telehealth, education, job training and access, and business operations in the 21st century depend on access to broadband internet.

3. Housing     

Advocacy Principles: Whole Sector Impact (1), Equity & Social Justice (3)

Many Together SC members work in and around the issue of “Housing” - be it affordable housing, home ownership, homelessness, or rental/mortgage assistance and relief. Housing is critical to the success of our communities, and the work of our members. Be it temporary or permanent, housing needs in our state directly impact nonprofit missions, staffing, and daily work. Together SC will monitor how these efforts move forward and make members aware of substantial actions.

4. Flagged Legislation

Together SC regularly monitors legislation filed at the SC Statehouse and flags relevant bills that have the potential to impact the field. There are numerous bills flagged. Once legislative action begins to take place on any flagged bills, they may move to be highlighted in any of the Advocacy Agenda categories. A full, updated, list of flagged legislation can be found on Together SC’s website.