Individual vs. Organizational Activity
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
Release Date: 09/16/2020
Can We Rent (Or Share) That?
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On this episode, we will discuss how nonprofits can respond when they are asked to share their resources with others. Whether it’s data, a mailing list, office space, or something else of value, your nonprofit needs to know what to do when asked to share its assets with other people and groups. And guess what! Your organization’s tax status will come into play. If you’re a 501(c)(3), you need to be particularly careful, especially when interacting with non-(c)(3)s. We’ll dive in deep and answer the question “Can We Rent (or Share) That?” in the minutes to come. Our Attorneys...
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Ballot Measure Advocacy Takeaways from the 2024 BISC Conference
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On this special edition from the BISC (Ballot Initiative Strategy Center) Road Ahead 2024 conference held in Las Vegas, we bring our takeaways from our sessions on ballot measure advocacy, including handling misinformation, tips on campaigning, garnering cross-ideological support and more. Lawyers on this episode: Sarah Efthymiou Tim Mooney Handling misinformation in ballot measure campaigns - Strategies to counter misinformation and disinformation. - Focus on highlighting correct information rather than amplifying incorrect details. How...
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Election Season Advocacy: What Your Foundation Needs to Know
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
Guess What! It’s 2024, which means we have a BIG election on the horizon. Not only will voters take to the polls to decide who will be our next President, but they’ll also be invited to speak their voice in relation to ballot measures and down ballot races that will impact our laws and determine who will represent us in local government, state legislatures, Congress, the courts, and more! With so much at stake, many private and public foundations may be curious whether they have a role to play. The answer is YES! And, this episode of the podcast will discuss the rules foundations need to...
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Ask Us Anything
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On this edition, we answer some of those “greatest hits” questions we always talk about in the intro every week. And since we have primaries and spring elections coming up, we decided to do an all-elections episode to get you ready for your election season advocacy. Lawyers for this Episode Sarah Efthymiou Susan Finkle Sourlis Tim Mooney Shownotes “Can our 501(c)(3) invite a candidate to speak at our fundraising event?” “In Oregon, we have 5 of our 7 Supreme Court seats up for election this spring, but since the candidates are nonpartisan I was wondering if our...
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Bold AF with Vu Le
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
For our 100th episode, we are excited to chat with the incomparable Vu Le of . Vu brings his unique blend of insight, humor, and a pinch of provocation to the table, all wrapped up in the perspectives you've come to know from his writing. Vu is a treasure trove of wisdom for the nonprofit world and his takes are all his own and don't necessarily reflect those of Alliance for Justice. A huge thank you for listening (and occasionally watching) our brand of spicy tax law for these 100 episodes, and what a better way to celebrate than with a guest who's not afraid to shake things up all in the...
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The Connection
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On this episode, we discuss The Connection, Bolder Advocacy’s go-to guide on how to create and operate 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)s, and political organizations. In 2024, we release our 5th edition of The Connection and include several important updates your nonprofit needs to know about as we move into a contentious election season. If your nonprofit has questions about how to safely operate affiliated organizations or how to boost civic engagement in coalition with organizations that have a different tax-exempt status than your own, The Connection has the answers. Attorneys for this show...
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Grassroots Advocacy
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
Exploring grassroots advocacy and the various activities that grassroots organizations can use to advance their mission and bring about positive policy change. Attorneys for this Episode Monika Graham Natalie Ossenfort Victor Rivera Shownotes Introduction Issue Advocacy and Lobbying Rallies, Town Halls, and Community Mobilization Persuading Elected Officials Advocacy Days and Lobbying Ballot Measures and Elections Commenting on Candidates and Campaigns Get Out the Vote Campaigns Spotlight: Grassroots Organizations Resources and...
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Nonpartisan Election Year Advocacy
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On this episode, we discuss best practices for 501(c)(3) public charities conducting advocacy and nonpartisan activities, like get out the vote or voter education activities during an election year. Election year is upon us and the presidential primaries and caucuses, and primaries for other elected offices are starting to take place and will continue through the November General election. Attorneys for this show Monika Graham, Susan Finkle-Sourlis, and Leslie Barnes Show Notes · May 501c3 public charities advocate in an election year? How can a public...
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Ballot Measure Insights
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On this edition, we're thrilled to welcome from Elias Law Group, bringing her fresh perspective after successfully guiding clients to victory in the critical 2023 Ohio reproductive rights ballot measure fight. Emma will help shed light on the essential considerations for tax-exempt organizations before taking the plunge into a ballot measure campaign. Attorneys for this Episode Quyen Tu Tim Mooney Shownotes · Introducing Emma · Lessons from Ohio: o Progressives can work together to protect...
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Nonprofit New Year's Resolutions
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On this episode, we’re going to talk about those pesky new year’s resolutions… and no, we’re not talking about signing up for a gym membership or signing up for a marathon. We’re talking about resolutions that nonprofit organizations can apply as we enter into the year 2024. As you all know, 2024 is like Stefon from SNL, it has everything…primaries, general elections, an additional day… So as you are headed for your holiday break, we wanted to leave you with a list of things your nonprofit organization can do as we head into the new year. AFJ Team...
info_outlineStaff, volunteers and board members of 501(c)(3)s have to make sure they avoid supporting or opposing candidates on behalf of their organization when they’re on the clock. But, those rules only apply to the organization. People that work or volunteer for a 501(c)(3) can – on their own time, and in their individual capacity - support or oppose candidates of their choice. But, as always, the devil’s in the details. On this episode, Tim, Leslie and Quyen cover best practices to keep your personal partisan support separate from your 501(c)(3) work.
Our attorneys for this episode
Shownotes
- 501(c)(3)s cannot support or oppose candidates for public office – see ROTG episode 01. But those rules do not apply to individuals on their own time in their own capacity.
- Important to show separation
- IRS Guidance is old
- Key is to ensure (c)(3) funds are not subsidizing personal partisan work
- Tips for showing separation on social media
- Multiple accounts I
- Disclaimers
- Can a (c)(3) employee go to the DNC?
- Yes, in personal capacity
- Employer may have policies that have added restrictions
- Best practices
- Acting in good faith
- Don’t be cute
- Do any partisan things on your own time
- Be clear that it's you and not the organization – know what hat you’re wearing
Resources
- Sample 501(c)(3) Organizational Policy for Election Season
- Bolder Advocacy’s TA hotline: 866-NP-LOBBY
- Email us at [email protected]
- Our website is bolderadvocacy.org