Voter Protection and Assistance
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
In this episode, we break down practical ways nonprofits can help voters navigate the electoral process—from answering questions and monitoring polling places to helping voters understand their options and addressing problems that arise before, during, and after Election Day. Remember, the goal is to help eligible voters participate in the voting process without putting a 501(c)(3)’s tax-exempt status at risk. The Golden Rule: 501(c)(3)s Must Remain Nonpartisan 501(c)(3) public charities are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating or intervening in...
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SCOTUS Term Preview
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On this episode, we have a special guest from the AFJ Justice team. We are joined by our colleague Morgan Flitt an Alliance for Justice Senior Dorot Fellow. With Morgan we will be covering the upcoming cases that will be heard by the US Supreme Court this session. Many of these cases – affect everyday people and the issues they care about, climate change, gun rights, voting, immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. 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....
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Election Coalitions
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
It’s mid-September and we are in the thick of election season. Ballots are going out, early voting is around the corner and many of you are working in coalitions on nonpartisan voter engagement. On this episode, we talk about what election coalitions are, why they’re important and best practices for (c)(3)s and (c)(4)s that are in them. Attorneys for this Episode Susan Finkle Sourlis Quyen Tu Tim Mooney Shownotes Coalition Overview • Definition of Coalition: Fully separate organizations with common goals, coming together for a set purpose ...
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Can We Share That?
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
Working in coalition is one of the nonprofit sector’s greatest strengths and can be especially powerful during election season. With the midterm elections around the corner, now is a good time for organizations to revisit their plans for election-related advocacy, including voter engagement, candidate education, and issue advocacy. A 501(c)(3) can collaborate with a 501(c)(4) and other nonprofits to advance common goals, pool resources, and build momentum. The key is knowing where collaboration ends and organizational boundaries begin, so allocate resources fairly, document cost-sharing...
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Get Out the Vote
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts are one of the most impactful ways 501(c)(3) public charities can strengthen civic participation and help ensure communities have the tools and information they need to make their voices heard. From voter registration and education to reminders and access assistance, (c)(3) organizations can play an important role in helping people navigate the voting process while remaining nonpartisan. On this episode, we explore best practices for designing effective GOTV efforts, including how nonprofits can engage their communities, train staff and volunteers, and navigate...
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Charitable Solicitation
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
On today’s episode we will cover Charitable Solicitation Registration! If your nonprofit asks people for donations, you probably need to register with state regulators before you make the ask, and the rules are different in every state. We’ll break down what charitable solicitation is, how it differs from your IRS tax-exempt status, what the most common misconceptions are, and what organizations should do to stay compliant with these laws. Today we are thrilled to be joined by our BA Summer Legal intern, Lina Zuluaga. On this Episode Brittany Leonard Tim Mooney Lina Zuluaga (Legal Intern)...
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Forming a 501(c)(4)
Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast
This week we are talking about 501(c)(4)s, or social welfare organizations. What are the advantages to starting one? How are they different than 501(c)(3)s and other types of nonprofits? And what are the important considerations when determining if a 501(c)(4) would be a good vehicle to use to conduct the types of activities you are hoping to engage in to achieve your mission? If you are curious about 501(c)(4)s, what they can do, and how they operate... this podcast episode is for you. Attorneys for this Episode Natalie Ossenfort Susan Finkle Sourlis Quyen Tu Shownotes Scenario: ...
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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....
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.