What Nonprofits Need to Know About Nominations
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
After the Supreme Court wrapped up its latest term, we thought it would be a good idea to revisit the unique opportunities 501(c)(3) public charities have to advocate in favor of or against specific nominations made by the Executive Branch that require confirmation from a legislative body. On this episode, we explore the nomination process for key positions and give you some best practices on how to ensure your organization can effectively (and legally) advocate for specific nominees. Shownotes: · Nomination advocacy often qualifies as lobbying (Internal...
info_outline
State of Advocacy: Legislative Update
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On today’s episode, we are breaking down the 2026 state legislative season and how the landscape affecting nonprofit advocacy is shifting across the country. We are recording this in mid-June, and while most states have wrapped up for the year, not all have, so you are going to want to look at your state to get a sense of what’s enacted, what’s moving, and what’s dead. What we’re seeing this year is not just incremental change, but a rapid expansion of state-level regulation over campaign finance, ballot measures, voter access, and increasingly, what we are calling foreign influence...
info_outline
How Philanthropy is Meeting the Moment
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
This week, we are diving into the world of philanthropy. We are thrilled to be joined by Matthew L. Evans from the United Philanthropy Forum who will help us understand how philanthropy is evolving to meet this moment and what challenges and opportunities we are seeing for funders and philanthropy infrastructure organizations. Guests for this episode Brittany Hacker Leonard Tim Mooney Matthew L. Evans Shownotes Matthew L. Evans is the United Philanthropy Forum’s VP of Advocacy and External Relations....
info_outline
Individual Activity in Election Season
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
Employees and volunteers of public charities often participate in the political and democratic process in ways that connect to their organization’s mission. While a 501(c)(3) cannot engage in partisan activity, individuals don’t give up their First Amendment rights when they are staff, board members, or volunteers of a public charity. In our last episode, we talked about candidate appearances at charitable events. But what if the call is coming from inside the house? In this episode, we’ll share some practical tips and best practices to help you engage in electoral work as an individual...
info_outline
Commenting on Candidates
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
When nonprofits speak out on issues in the public square, the line between education and electioneering can get blurry – especially during election season. On this episode of Rules of the Game, we break down what the law allows when organizations comment on statements made by candidates and campaigns, and how those rules shift when addressing the actions of incumbents who may also be on the ballot. From issue advocacy to the risk of impermissible political intervention, we walk through practical scenarios and key guardrails to help your nonprofit stay compliant while engaging in advocacy to...
info_outline
Candidate Appearances
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
Primaries are taking place or may have already occurred where you are. More elections will take place from now until November so we thought it’s a good time to talk about candidate appearances. We’ll explain how (c)(3)s can stay nonpartisan while helping to educate voters and candidates by hosting candidates. (c)(4)s, you can of course do everything (c)(3)s can do and much more! Attorneys for this episode Quyen Tu Victor Rivera Brittany Hacker Leonard Shownotes Why is this important? C3s are a trusted source of...
info_outline
Ballot Measure Advocacy
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
With direct democracy becoming more important than ever in this political climate, we thought it was a good time to revisit ballot measures. From local park bonds to important state constitutional amendments, ballot measures have become important tools for policymaking, and nonprofits often play a huge role in supporting and opposing them. On this episode we do a deep dive on the details and how you can get involved. Attorneys for this episode Susan Finkle Sourlis Tim Mooney Natalie Ossenfort Shownotes What Are Ballot Measures, and Why...
info_outline
Ask Us Anything
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On this episode of Rules of the Game, we dive into some of the most common – and pressing – questions we hear on our free nonprofit advocacy technical assistance hotline. From whether foundation funding can support voter registration efforts, to what nonprofits should know when attending rallies and advocating around local law enforcement cooperation with ICE, we break down the rules and offer practical guidance you can use to enhance your organization’s advocacy and community participation in elections and other public policy activities. We’ll discuss real world...
info_outline
Legislative Update
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
Legislative season is underway, and we’re seeing a wave of proposals that could significantly reshape the operating environment for nonprofits and advocacy organizations. We’re tracking over 1,000 bills across the country, and while some of them do positive things, like make improvements to our electoral system or increase voter turnout, unfortunately, most of these measures are taking aim at impactful nonprofit advocacy. These proposals collectively reflect an erosion of the civic space in the nonprofit ecosystem. We’re here to break down some of the key trends and help you stay...
info_outline
Litigation Update
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On this edition, we open up the docket and get an update on the variety of court cases that impact tax-exempt organizations and their ability to advocate on the issues they care about. And to help with that, we’re joined once again by friend of the pod Emma Olson Sharkey from Elias Law Group to help demystify what’s happening in the courts and how it might impact you and your work. Attorneys for this episode Brittany Hacker Leonard Tim Mooney Emma Olson Sharkey – Elias Law Group Shownotes 501(c)(4) political activity Freedom Path, Inc. v. IRS (D.D.C.) Memorial Hermann Accountable...
info_outlineOn 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
· The 2022 change in political landscape that set the stage
· The work led by UNIODS MN Action to pass HF4
· The outcome - tens of thousands of people can now drive legally—no more choosing between getting to work and risking their family’s stability
· Emilia González Avalos, one of the key leaders of UNIDOS MN, handed us an officially signed copy of the bill
· She said they wanted me to have it because the legal strategy support from Bolder Advocacy on (c)(4)s gave information and confidence for UNIDOS MN Action up and running and that mattered in getting this win
Heinz using PRG hub to give out specific project grants
Summer of 2023, launched with support from Robert Wood Johnson F
- Our explainer videos provide a clear and concise overview of how the PGR works and how private foundations (and their grantees) can take advantage of it.
- Our factsheets provide more in-depth information on the PGR and explain how to use our new PGR budget templates.
- Our budget templates help foundations and grantees ensure that when a grant applicant submits a project budget, it meets the requirements of the PGR.
Earlier in the year, a foundation staff was on a conference panel and blatantly said foundations can’t lobby. A similar occurrence happen when our colleague attended Foundations, both private and public, have us train their staff on understanding the rules and addressing their specific concerns
Response from Legal Community
· NLDN: collaboration between AFJ & We the Action – to empower NPs to withstand challenges, e.g., audits and attacks on TE status; legal clinics
· State AGs: joined forces w/NPs (NCNP, etc.) to challenge funding freezes