What Happens If Nonprofits Are Silenced? Understanding H.R. 9495’s Impact

As a social impact-focused agency, the Black Sheep team works alongside nonprofit leaders every day who are building stronger, more just communities. These organizations advocate for equity, provide critical services and foster civic engagement—all while amplifying the voices of marginalized groups.?

Nonprofits are essential to a functioning democracy. H.R. 9495 puts this vital role under serious threat.

H.R. 9495, currently moving through Congress, is titled the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. You might think it’s simply focused on combating terrorism and supporting Americans who have been held hostage—worthy causes we all support. But buried within the bill is a provision that could give the executive branch broad power to label nonprofits as “terrorist-supporting” without due process or evidence.

If passed, this bill could impact organizations across all sectors by:

• Shutting down nonprofits working on issues like LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice or labor unions
• Targeting religious congregations, universities or community nonprofits over ideological differences
• Seizing nonprofit assets and deterring future advocacy

This bill is about silencing dissent and threatens nonprofit advocacy and civil society. It sets a dangerous precedent that could harm organizations across the political spectrum.

What you can do today

This issue has now moved to the Senate, where there’s still time to make your voice heard. Here’s how you can help protect the essential role of nonprofits in our communities:

1. Call your Senators and urge them to reject H.R. 9495 - this link will help you find their contact information.
2. Spread the Word by sharing this article, articles from your favorite nonprofit organization organizing around this or write your own to raise awareness.
3. Support Advocacy Efforts by donating to organizations like the NAACP, the ACLU or another of the numerous nonprofits fighting against this bill.

Read our full blog post here for a breakdown of the bill and its potential impact. Your voice matters—let’s stand together to defend the organizations that make our democracy stronger.