Lobbying and Advocacy

Many social sector organizations would like to engage in lobbying and advocacy activities to help advance the awareness and impact of their missions and their fields. However, they are often reluctant to do so because they are not clear about what they can and cannot do, particularly those worried about their tax-exempt status. Social sector organizations, even tax-exempt organizations, may engage in lobbying and advocacy; however, there are some limits and registration requirements. LawForChange has compiled the resources below to help social sector organizations fulfill their missions and keep their lobbying and advocacy programs within the bounds of the law.

Do you have questions or other tools and resources to suggest? Contact us at admin@lawforchange.org.

Where to Start

Lobbying (Internal Revenue Service)

Political and Lobbying Activities (Internal Revenue Service)

The 501(h) Election (National Council of Nonprofits)

Nonprofit Advocacy (National Council of Nonprofits)

The Power of Nonprofits (National Council of Nonprofits)

Lobbying and Advocacy: Major Issues | Myths Defined (Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest)

Advocacy Basics (Independent Sector)

Worry-Free Lobbying for Nonprofits (Alliance for Justice)

So You Want to Make a Difference (OMB Watch)
 

LawForChange Resources

Federal Overview (LawForChange)

State Specific Laws on Advocacy and Lobbying (LawForChange)
 

What People Are Talking About

IRS Issues Liberal Ruling Regarding Exempt Organizations and Political Action Committees (Manatt, Phelps & Philips, LLP)

Citizens United Ruling (Nonprofit Law Blog)

Budget Deal Puts Pressure on Nonprofits to Advocate for Their Causes (The Chronicle of Philanthropy)

A New Era for Nonprofit Advocacy? (The Chronicle of Philanthropy)

White House Restrictions on Lobbyists Said to Harm Nonprofit Advocacy (The Chronicle of Philanthropy)
 

Other Resources

FAQs (coming soon)

Case Studies (coming soon)
 

Ask the Experts

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