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...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineHappy 2026! As policy shifts and new advocacy opportunities emerge, the Bolder Advocacy team is here to guide nonprofits so they can continue to advocate boldly while remaining compliant and effective. We’re kicking off the year with our Top 10 nonprofit New Year’s resolutions to help your organization thrive.
Attorneys for This Episode
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Monika Graham
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Victor Rivera Labiosa
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Natalie Roetzel Ossenfort
Top 10 2026 Resolutions:
1. Deepen Mission Alignment
Clarity fuels momentum. Revisit your mission statement to ensure that every project, partnership, and expenditure aligns directly with your core purpose.
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The National Council of Nonprofits hosts a hub on its website that provides nonprofits with tools, research, and resources needed to operate a nonprofit more effectively, efficiently, and ethically.
2. Conduct an Advocacy Check-Up
Identify opportunities to enhance your organization’s advocacy activities, and raise potential issues about compliance with the tax, lobby, election, and other laws that govern your work.
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The Advocacy Check-Up is a self-assessment tool for 501(c)(3) public charities to review compliance with federal and state advocacy rules and identify opportunities to strengthen advocacy capacity.
3. Invest in Staff Well-Being
A supported team propels progress through good times and through bad. Prioritize mental health, provide professional development opportunities, and maintain a culture of appreciation. Encourage continuous learning to ensure that your team is constantly growing and expanding its expertise on the issues facing your communities and potential policy solutions.
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For tips on how to better invest in staff well-being click here.
4. Strengthen Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Commit to measurable actions to ensure your staff, board, and programs reflect and serve your community’s diversity authentically.
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Resources for strengthening DEI practices are available through the Philanthropic Initiative for Racial Justice and the Council of Nonprofits.
5. Improve Financial Transparency
Publish clear annual reports, be open about how resources are used, and communicate outcomes to maintain trust.
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For tips on how to demonstrate clear financial accountability take a look at the NCN’s post on financial transparency and public disclosure requirements.
6. Embrace Digital Transformation
Technology can amplify reach and efficiency. Adopt digital mechanisms for donor management, storytelling, virtual events, and operations.
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Refer to BA’s Influencing Public Policy in the Digital Age for best practices on engaging in online advocacy.
7. Build Sustainable Fundraising Strategies
Diversify revenue streams. Combine grants, recurring donations, sponsorships, private donors, and other opportunities for long-term financial health.
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If you are a foundation interested in expanding your advocacy funding, explore our Focus on Foundations hub.
8. Measure What Matters
Data-driven decisions help refine focus and prove impact. Develop and track meaningful metrics that demonstrate actual outcomes.
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Check out our Advocacy Evaluation Resources hub for sample benchmarks and guides to help your nonprofit assess its strengths, identify areas for growth, and become more effective in its advocacy.
9. Strengthen Community Partnerships
Collaborate rather than compete. Coalitions, community, local governments, and businesses can all amplify their missions through shared resources and reach.
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Find other like-minded organizations and work in coalition to register voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and to advance legislative and other policy priorities.
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Our Coalition Checklist provides information about common joint advocacy activities, resource sharing, and how to safely partner with other tax-exempt organizations.
10. Prepare for Midterm Elections
Remember: 501(c)(3) public charities may engage in nonpartisan voter education, issue advocacy, and civic engagement, so plan your election-season activities early to ensure the organization is impactful while remaining compliant.
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Browse Rules of the Game: A Guide to Election Related Activities for 501(c)(3) Organizations for a deeper dive on best practices for engaging in nonpartisal election season advocacy.