Memos, EOs and Impacts on Nonprofits
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
Release Date: 01/29/2025
Celebrating Advocacy Wins
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
As we close out 2025, we at Boulder Advocacy wanted to take a moment to celebrate some truly important wins from the past year Wins made possible by nonprofits pushing for justice in every corner of the country. It's been a long year, and while progressive movements have faced real setbacks, that's not the whole story. On this episode, we are taking the time to celebrate advocacy wins within the nonprofit community this year. Shownotes Housing and Economic Justice Victories Healthcare and Reproductive Justice Wins Understanding Advocacy vs. Lobbying Court Victories for Transgender Rights...
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Nonprofits Under Siege: Don’t Panic, Prepare!
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
In recent months, the threats facing nonprofit organizations have continued to develop at a furious pace. In the face of challenges like funding reductions and congressional investigations, nonprofits are taking the time to shore up their defenses and prepare for what’s to come. On this episode, we’ll discuss several recent events that have the sector talking so that your nonprofit can take the steps necessary to ensure your continued ability to boldly advocate on behalf of your communities. Attorneys for this episode · Brittany Hacker Leonard ...
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Giving Thanks
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On this episode, we gather around the virtual table and share three success stories for nonprofit advocacy that may help to put a smile on your face and give you something positive to reflect on, in a year that could use a lot more of that. Attorneys for this episode · Tim Mooney · Quyen Tu · Sarah Efthymiou Shownotes UNIDOS MN Action and the power of advocacy · Driver’s licenses for undocumented people revoked in MN 2003 ...
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Election Season Prep
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
Whether it be local elections or picking a new president, election season seems to always be lurking around the corner, so on today’s episode we’re unpacking what it means for 501(c)(3)s to remain nonpartisan and how these nonprofits can safely engage in several different types of advocacy during election season. Attorneys for this episode Monika Graham Melissa Marichal Zayas Sarah Efthymiou Remaining Nonpartisan: The rule is clear: 501(c)(3) organizations cannot engage in any activity or make statements that suggest...
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Ask Us Anything
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
As we head into the final stretch of 2025, we’re back on the mic to tackle some of the most common questions we hear about accountability advocacy. Whether your organization is calling out broken promises, uplifting community voices, or demanding action from those in power, this episode is all about giving nonprofit organizations the clarity, confidence, and tools to hold public officials accountable boldly and legally. Attorneys for this episode Natalie Ossenfort Monika Graham Victor Rivera Shownotes Can 501(c)(3)...
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SCOTUS Term Preview and Advocacy for 501(c)(3)s
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
It's fall, it’s October and the US Supreme Court is back in session. On today’s episode, we have a special guest from the AFJ Justice team. We are joined by our colleague Jamal Lockings. With Jamall we will cover the big cases to be heard by the court. Then we will talk about how nonprofits can get involved with supreme court advocacy, nominees, and more while staying nonpartisan and being mindful of lobbying limits. Attorneys for this Episode Brittany Hacker Susan Finkle Sourlis Jamaal Lockings Intro to Justice...
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Back to Basics: Comparing Tax-Exempt Organizations
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
With school back in session and fall in the air, it’s the perfect time to get back to basics on the Rules of the Game podcast. On today’s episode, we’ll review how the advocacy rules differ across the various types of tax-exempt organizations, including 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)s, and PACs. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting out, understanding these fundamentals is crucial for crafting bold advocacy plans that maximize your capacity and comply with the appropriate rules. Join us for a quick refresher! Attorneys for this Episode Melissa Marichal Zayas Natalie...
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Ballot Measures and California Redistricting
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
Ballot measures give voters a chance to participate in direct democracy while providing nonprofit organizations with a powerful platform to educate the public about issues they champion. In this episode, we discuss California's pending redistricting ballot measure and other developments in direct democracy with returning guest Emma Olson Sharkey. Attorneys for this Episode • Tim Mooney • Susan Finkel Sourlis • The Importance of Ballot Measures · Ballot measures give voters direct power to shape laws and policies, bypassing legislatures. ...
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State Advocacy
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
In today's episode, we’re focusing on the topic of state advocacy, specifically exploring the vital role that nonprofits play in shaping policy and driving change at the state level, and how that role is increasingly coming under attack. We will discuss some of the landscape nonprofits are currently facing at the state level and provide actionable tips for organizations looking to amplify their impact. And we’ll be sharing information about exciting new state resources that are in progress at Bolder Advocacy! Attorneys for this Episode Brittany Hacker Maggie Ellinger-Locke Sarah Efthymiou...
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Threats to Tax Exempt Status
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s especially important in today’s high-stakes advocacy environment — threats to your tax-exempt status. Yes, we’re talking about that precious 501(c)(3) status, the one that lets your organization do good in the world without paying taxes, and with the constant challenge of figuring out how to advocate, influence policy, and make change without accidentally stepping into ‘oops, we might lose our status’ territory. Attorneys for this Episode Monika Graham Victor Rivera Special guests, interns Ariana and Cecilia Shownotes Lobbying...
info_outlineOn this episode of the podcast, we will talk about the deluge of executive orders and a new memo freezing funding that has come in at the start of Trump’s new administration. How will they effect the work of non-profits and what can you do to support or oppose these and future executive orders.
Attorneys for this Episode
Tim Mooney
Brittany Hacker
Federal Funding Freeze Memo and Executive Orders
• Memo issued by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
• Halt on grants and loans distributed by the federal government.
• Implications for Medicaid, WIC, and other critical programs.
Legal and Constitutional Challenges
• Lawsuit filed against the funding freeze, citing violations of the Administrative Procedures Act (APA).
• Debate over the legality and scope of executive orders.
Nonprofit Advocacy and Response
• Importance of independent nonprofit organizations in countering these actions.
• Guidelines for 501(c)(3) organizations to legally speak out against executive actions.
Role of Funders
• Call for funders to fill gaps caused by halted federal funds.
• Encouragement for philanthropy to step up during this crisis.
Resources
· Executive Orders Affecting Charitable Nonprofits - National Council of Nonprofits