Federal budget decisions directly impact
nonprofits' ability to meet Americans' needs

The federal budget is the blueprint for our country's priorities. It determines not only what programs and services are offered Americans at the federal level, but also those that state and local governments are able to provide in communities across the nation. Nonprofits work in partnership with Federal, state, and local governments in program areas ranging from human and social services to the arts, education, science and technology, and cultural development. The federal budget provides insight and direction in determining our nation’s spending and tax policies and the ultimate fiscal sustainability of our economy.

Federal budget process
Every year, the President is required by law to publish his budget requests and Congress is responsible for passing its own budget outline in the form of a Budget Resolution.

President's FY 2010 Budget Request
President Obama released his budget outline to Congress for fiscal year 2010 in February and issued more detailed proposals in May. The $3.6 trillion budget plan outlines his spending priorities and supports his agenda for reforming health care, education and the environment.

Learn more about the President’s budget.

FY 2010 Congressional Budget Resolution
Congress has adopted its $3.5 trillion budget resolution for fiscal year 2010, which outlines spending and tax priorities for the year. The process now moves to appropriating and tax committees in Congress to set funding levels for all of the federal departments and programs and to enact substantive tax and other legislation specified in the budget.

Learn more about the Congressional Budget Resolution.

Last Updated: May 12, 2009

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