Elections, Advocacy, and Grassroots Activities
A priority of the nonprofit sector is to advocate for the sector at large and engage our constituents to solve problems at the grassroots level.
Nonprofits have the constitutional right and responsibility to engage in the electoral and policy-making processes. Though federal regulations require that nonprofits remain strictly nonpartisan (neither supporting nor opposing candidates for elected office), there is still so much that can be done! This page contains guidance and strategies for nonprofit activities around policy, advocacy, and election cycles. Please post your own ideas and resources and contribute to the conversation!
On this page:
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Advocacy and Election Activities
- Advocacy Ideas and Resources
- Raise the Nonprofit Profile - the next phase of the Primary Project
- Nonprofit Voter Engagement Network
- V3 - Voice, Value, Vote
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Advocacy and Election Activities
Q: What are the latest federal guidelines on lobbying by 501c3s?
A: Here are a few links to information on lobbying guidelines:
- OMB Watch's Resource Center on IRS Rules on Election Activities of Charities
- National Voter Engagement Network's federal legal guide [PDF]
- NPAction
- Alliance for Justice
- Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI)
- Election Year Fact Sheet from the IRS
- IRS Examples and Analysis of Voting and Election Activities by Charitable Organizations
- Federal Election Commission's Ruling on Electioneering Communications [PDF]
Q: Are there guidelines for ethical lobbying by nonprofits?
A: Yes. Check out CLPI's Smart and Ethical Principles and Practices for Public Interest Lobbying.
Q: Where can I find information about lobbying my representatives?
A: The Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI) has several 'How-To Resources' on everything from writing letters to your elected officials, presenting testimony, setting up personal visits, and working in coalitions.
Q: How can I learn about state law restrictions on lobbying by nonprofits?
A: NCNA's state association network has an extensive amount of experience in state lobbying and advocacy. More information, toolkits, and case studies are located on state association websites. You can also access Alliance for Justice's State Resources page.
Q: How can I learn more about the federal process for making regulations?
A: Check out the new Regulatory Resource Center from OMB Watch. The Resource Center provides tips for advocates who want to get involved in regulatory decision making and educational resources for anyone interested in how the federal regulatory process works.
Q: Where can I learn more about the state laws that govern the judicial campaigns?
A: Visit the website of the American Judicature Society.
Raise the Nonprofit Profile
Raise the Nonprofit Profile is the next phase of the Nonprofit Primary Project. Learn more and join us!
Nonprofit Voter Engagement Network
The National Council of Nonprofits and the Nonprofit Congress have been working to encourage nonpartisan political engagement through the Primary Project since last fall. Now we announce the exciting launch of a new partner in voter engagement: the Nonprofit Voter Engagement Network (NVEN)! NVEN recently launched its brand-new website with many fantastic resources, including:
- Jurisdiction-specific election information for all 50 states - including information on voter registration, candidates, polling places, absentee voting, and more.
- A legal guide [PDF] to keeping your work nonpartisan.
- Nonprofit toolkits - comprehensive how-to guides on voter registration, voter education, and GOTV options for nonprofits.
- Training resources - PowerPoints, fact sheets and training outlines.
- Online webinar trainings for any nonprofit.
- GOTV "swag" - t-shirts, tote bags, buttons, and posters.
- Election reform, election protection, and voter turnout information for nonprofits and the communities we serve.
To learn more about NVEN's resources, please visit their website.
V3 - Voice, Value, Vote
The time has come for nonprofit organizations to become engaged in the democratic process in every community in America.
Led by Robert Egger, president of DC Central Kitchen and co-convener of the first Nonprofit Congress National Meeting, the V3 Campaign will give you the tools you need to legally engage candidates in your city and state to determine their plans for the nonprofit sector. Learn how the candidates plan to support the causes and strengthen the organizations that are important to you.
Public Policy for Public Good
From a recent article at GuideStar.org:
In 2008, as candidates for public office court traditional voting blocks on the path to election victory, the nonprofit sector has enormous potential as an untapped political force to shape the nation's future. The nonprofit sector-our ever-expanding asset of "social profit" organizations focused on serving the public good-is creating the most job growth, the best new ideas, and the most effective solutions to the toughest chronic social problems that are plaguing communities throughout the country.
Newsletter: Advocacy Evaluation Update
A publication of Innovation Network, the Advocacy Evaluation Update is an occasional newsletter for anyone who works to influence decision-makers. The Update’s audience includes not only traditional advocates but also funders, evaluators, and direct service practitioners. This free newsletter is packed with real-world stories, tools and resources, upcoming events, and tips for effectively evaluating advocacy work. The inaugural issue was released in June; a second issue will be out later this fall. Visit Innovation Network's advocacy focus area for more information and to subscribe.
Nonprofit Advocacy Project
The Nonprofit Advocacy Project, a program of the Alliance for Justice, works to strengthen the voice of the nonprofit sector in important public policy debates by giving tax-exempt organizations a better understanding of the laws that govern their participation in the policy process.
America Goes to the Polls: A Report on Voter Turnout in the 2006 Elections
The Nonprofit Voter Engagement Network has published America Goes to the Polls: A Report on Voter Turnout in the 2006 Elections [PDF]. Based on a comprehensive analysis of voter participation in the 2006 elections, the report ranks all 50 states by their total turnout of eligible voters and growth in turnout compared to the midterm election in 2002.
Policy Resources from NCNA
The National Council of Nonprofit Associations (NCNA) has a policy resources page that includes case stories, a policy agenda for the nonprofit sector, and toolkit on how to build capacity for advocacy.
NP Action
NPAction.com, a project of OMB Watch, is an online resource that provides tools and information for nonprofit advocacy.
Power in Policy: A Funder's Guide to Advocacy and Civic Participation
Power in Policy: A Funder's Guide to Advocacy and Civic Participation is published by the Fieldstone Alliance and Grantmakers for Effective Organizations.
From the website: Power in Policy, written primarily by foundation practitioners for foundations, is the first book that...
BoardSource Q and A
BoardSource has a Question and Answer section on their website with some valuable information on lobbying and grassroots activities.
Discovering the Activation Point: Smart Strategies to Make People Act
From www.activationpoint.org:
If knowledge alone was enough to inspire action, the world would already be a better place. Real change requires action, and the key to moving people from knowledge to action is persuasion.
Citizens at the Center: A New Approach to Civic Engagement
Getting citizens more involved in the civic life and health of their communities must begin with citizens themselves, according to Citizens at the Center: A New Approach to Civic Engagement, written by Dr. Cynthia Gibson and commissioned by the Case Foundation.
Social Service and Social Change: A Process Guide
Social Service and Social Change: A Process Guide was developed by the Building Movement Projectfor staff and board members of non-profit service organizations who are interested in learning how to incorporate progressive social change values and practices into their work.
Communicating with Congress: How Capitol Hill is Coping with the Surge in Citizen Advocacy
The Congressional Management Foundation presents this report on citizen advocacy--especially email and internet-based communications--and its effect on congressional offices.
Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest Publications
The Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI) offers several publications for free on their website.
These publications include:
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