A Stronger Nonprofit Sector. A Stronger Colorado.
Advocacy is central to CNA’s work to build a stronger nonprofit sector and a stronger Colorado. At the state and federal levels, CNA advances policies that strengthen nonprofits, champions legislation that supports their work, and responds when policy proposals threaten their ability to serve communities.
As a statewide voice for Colorado’s nonprofit sector, CNA brings nonprofit perspectives and priorities directly to policymakers. Through relationships with elected leaders, government agencies, nonprofit and community partners, and other stakeholders, we work to ensure nonprofits have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape their work and the communities they serve.
CNA Supports Amendment 87
If approved by voters this November, Amendment 87 would generate an estimated $2.7 billion annually for K–12 education, health care, and early childhood care and education by replacing Colorado’s current flat income tax with a graduated structure.
For Colorado’s nonprofit sector, this matters. Nonprofits are being asked to meet growing community needs while navigating reductions in public funding and increased demand for services. After careful consideration, CNA supports Amendment 87 as an opportunity to strengthen investment in critical public services, support stronger state and nonprofit partnerships, and help sustain the services Colorado communities rely on.
We recognize that changes to Colorado’s tax structure involve important tradeoffs and will affect taxpayers differently. We encourage Coloradans to learn more about the measure ahead of the November election.
Turning advocacy into action
CNA is an active voice at the Colorado State Capitol, advancing solutions and shaping the policy environment nonprofits need to have their greatest impact.
In 2026, CNA developed and passed two pieces of original legislation, helped advance three others, and monitored emerging threats and opportunities for the nonprofit sector. Read our 2026 Legislative Session Recap to see how CNA turned advocacy into action for nonprofits across Colorado.
A Strong Voice in Washington, D.C.
CNA actively engages Colorado’s federal delegation, ensuring Colorado nonprofits have a strong voice in Washington, D.C. In partnership with the National Council of Nonprofits, CNA works to advance federal policy priorities, comments on regulatory actions, and builds relationships with federal lawmakers.
Read our 2026 Federal Policy Agenda to learn more about CNA’s federal policy priorities.
Tools and Resources for Effective Advocacy
Effective advocacy starts with knowing how to engage. CNA provides practical tools and resources to help nonprofits understand the policymaking process, communicate their priorities, and build relationships with decision-makers at the state and federal levels.
Whether you’re preparing a fact sheet, scheduling a meeting with a legislator, tracking a bill, or planning for federal advocacy opportunities, these resources are designed to help nonprofits participate confidently and effectively in the policy decisions that affect their work and communities.
General
Advocacy
- How to lead voter engagement efforts from CNA and the National Council of Nonprofits
- How to write an effective letter to lawmakers
- How to create a fact sheet
- Tips on how to write and submit regulatory comments
- Learn the rules for lobbying and advocacy
Colorado
Advocacy
- Find your legislator to see which state lawmakers represent your community
- Learn how a bill becomes a law in Colorado
- How to meet with state legislators
- Colorado General Assembly’s website, where you can find the legislative calendar, current bills and audio and video recordings from past committee hearings
- Monitor support and opposition for legislation
Federal
Advocacy
- Find your U.S. Representative for where you live or work
- Learn how to contact Colorado’s members of Congress
- Read CNA’s Federal Agenda
- National Council of Nonprofit’s guides
- Stay Updated: subscribe to our newsletter
Public Policy Committee – Guided by Nonprofit Leaders
The Colorado Nonprofit Association’s Public Policy Committee helps guide CNA’s advocacy efforts and shape our legislative priorities each year. Composed of nonprofit executives and staff from across Colorado, the committee brings together perspectives and expertise from organizations representing a wide range of missions and communities.
Through their collective insight and regional perspectives, committee members help ensure CNA’s policy agenda reflects the needs of Colorado’s nonprofit sector and strengthens the communities nonprofits serve.
Advocacy SUPPORT
Have questions about CNA’s advocacy work, policy priorities, or how your organization can get involved? We’d love to hear from you.
Connect with Jack Murphy – Director of Government Affairs, to learn more, share an issue affecting your organization or community, or find ways to engage in CNA’s advocacy efforts.
Jack Murphy, Director
of Government Affairs