Maricopa Chamber Unites with 18 Others to Advocate for Nonprofit Status in Congress

Maricopa’s Greater Maricopa Business Alliance has rallied with Chambers of Commerce statewide, urging federal lawmakers to safeguard the tax-exempt status of nonprofit organizations. This initiative comes as Congress considers significant federal tax reform that could impact these vital entities.

A letter directed to ten Arizona senators and representatives underscores the crucial roles that chambers and other nonprofits play in bolstering local economies. They provide essential services and address gaps often left by government programs.

“We are committed to supporting our businesses and nonprofits, whose work is vital to the health and stability of our local economy and community,” the letter states.

The chambers contend that any reduction or removal of nonprofit tax exemptions could jeopardize the missions of organizations that deliver critical services in education, healthcare, nutrition, workforce development, and the arts. With many nonprofits, including the chambers themselves, reliant on donations and grants, such changes could severely limit their operations.

“These private sector organizations step in to help when the government can’t or shouldn’t,” the letter asserts. “Without the work of nonprofits and associations, many critical services could become more expensive or inaccessible for people in need.”

Kelly Anderson, President of the Greater Maricopa Business Alliance, reinforced this message. “These nonprofits are vital,” Anderson emphasized. “They’re filling such an important role.”

Tax-exempt status for charitable organizations has been a cornerstone of U.S. law for over a century. The letter calls on lawmakers to reaffirm this longstanding commitment in 2025 amid the broader discussions on tax policy.

“Increasing taxes on these organizations would not only undermine their efforts but also have a ripple effect on the communities they serve,” the chambers warned.

Signatories of the letter include over a dozen chambers from across Arizona, including representatives from Apache Junction, Flagstaff, Mesa, Nogales, and the Greater Phoenix area. Notably, three Pinal Chambers of Commerce, including Coolidge Chamber of Commerce, Greater Maricopa Business Alliance, and Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce, also took part in this crucial advocacy.