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Politics, Lobbying, and Advocacy

Political Activities of Nonprofit Board Members and Employees

501(c)(3)s are prohibited from engaging in political activity, but what about the leaders of the organization?  What happens when a board member runs for political office?  Or a nonprofit ED is invited to speak at a political rally for a personal friend?  Individuals running a nonprofit have their own personal views and political activity, but …

Read morePolitical Activities of Nonprofit Board Members and Employees

Collaborating With a 501(C)(4) Without Jeopardizing Your 501(C)(3) Tax-Exempt Status

Nonprofit organizations often collaborate with other nonprofits in order to maximize their impact. If your 501(c)(3) nonprofit works in partnership with other nonprofits, you may end up working alongside a 501(c)(4) organization. Whether your nonprofit works with a (c)(4) as part of an established coalition or on an ad hoc basis, it is important to …

Read moreCollaborating With a 501(C)(4) Without Jeopardizing Your 501(C)(3) Tax-Exempt Status

Candidate Forums

A candidate forum is an event where candidates running for elected office are invited to discuss their views and positions. Hosting a candidate forum can provide §501(c)(3) organizations with a meaningful and informative way to engage with voters and political candidates. As with all election-related activity, organizations must remain unbiased and nonpartisan. This article is …

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Voter Registration Drives

The United States political system relies on the involvement and participation of its citizens in the election process. Historically, many groups have faced barriers to full participation in this system. §501(c)(3) organizations often wish to host and promote voter registration drives to increase voter participation in the communities and populations that they serve. It is …

Read moreVoter Registration Drives

“Get Out the Vote” Initiatives

The U.S. political system relies on the involvement and participation of its citizens in the election process. Certain groups—such as the elderly, disabled, and poor who may lack transportation face particular challenges to participating in this process. Get-Out-the-Vote (“GOTV”) initiatives aim to increase voter participation by reminding voters of the date and location of their …

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Webcast: Georgia Lobbying Registration and Reporting Requirements for Nonprofits

Nonprofit §501(c)(3) organizations are permitted to engage in some lobbying activities, just not a substantial amount. Nonprofits that do engage in lobbying, like their for-profit peers, have significant obligations to register and report their lobbying activities in the State of Georgia. Rules vary depending on the level of state government or type of government entity …

Read moreWebcast: Georgia Lobbying Registration and Reporting Requirements for Nonprofits

Political Campaign Activities and Electioneering

501(c)(3)s are prohibited from engaging in political activity. Doing so can result in loss of tax-exemption. As the 2020 election year gets underway, it is important to understand what constitutes political activity and what doesn’t. View the Webcast Political Campaign Activities and Electioneering

Read morePolitical Campaign Activities and Electioneering

Pushing for a Constitutional Amendment? Be Aware of Lobbying Rules

There are four constitutional amendments on the November 8th ballot here in Georgia, including one addressing state intervention in public schools found to be “chronically failing” and another proposing to generate revenue for the Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Children Fund. If your organization is urging the public to vote yes or no on any …

Read morePushing for a Constitutional Amendment? Be Aware of Lobbying Rules

Electioneering Rules for Private Foundations and Public Charities

The legal staff at the Packard Foundation, Gates Foundation, Hewlett Foundation and Moore Foundation developed this free resource, which covers the basic legal rules around the electioneering prohibition for both private foundations and public charities. It takes about ninety minutes to complete and features “Maya,” a program officer that helps participants through the course. Please …

Read moreElectioneering Rules for Private Foundations and Public Charities

Legislative Scorecards: What Are They and Can You Use Them?

Does your organization have a particular interest in how politicians vote on proposed laws? Are there certain politicians you feel better represent your organization’s interests over others? One way organizations can make their members or followers aware of how politicians are voting on select issues of importance is to distribute legislative scorecards. Legislative scorecards are …

Read moreLegislative Scorecards: What Are They and Can You Use Them?

Registering as a Lobbyist in Georgia – 2014 Changes to Ethics in Government Act

Starting January 2014, changes to the rules for lobbyists in Georgia will go into effect and nonprofits that lobby should pay attention as the fines for noncompliance are significant. Even if your employees, contractors and volunteers have not had to register as lobbyists in the past, the updated law may require them to register. The …

Read moreRegistering as a Lobbyist in Georgia – 2014 Changes to Ethics in Government Act

Nonprofits and Lobbying

In case you haven’t noticed the activity under the gold dome, the Georgia State Legislature is in session. You might be wondering what your nonprofit organization can do to influence the legislature. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status should be familiar with the IRS restrictions on their lobbying activities (and the lack of restrictions on advocacy). …

Read moreNonprofits and Lobbying

Webcast: Lobbying and Political Activity for Nonprofits

As a 501(c)(3), there is a limit on the amount of lobbying your organization can do and an absolute prohibition on any political campaign activity. This webcast will answer the following questions: • What is the difference between lobbying and political activity? • What amount of lobbying is acceptable? • How can your organization do …

Read moreWebcast: Lobbying and Political Activity for Nonprofits

Lobbying vs. Advocacy

Does your organization lobby for political change? You’re allowed, but there are limits. What is the difference between lobbying and advocacy? Protect your nonprofit status by getting to know these rules. By: Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta

Read moreLobbying vs. Advocacy

Political Activity Guidelines

Did you know that your nonprofit status means that your organization is not allowed to participate in campaigns and certain political activities? Read about it here to avoid this common pitfall. Please note that in addition to the legal disclaimer above, this article contains information that is based, in whole or in part, on the …

Read morePolitical Activity Guidelines

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