Nonprofit Radio: Getting Political

I’ll be on on Nonprofit Radio this Friday, December 20, at 10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET talking with host Tony Martignetti about charities getting political. You can listen live on Talking Alternative. The archived podcast will be available a few days after the show airs.

We’re fast coming into a pivotal election year in our country’s history. And charities have much on the line with leadership determining policies that impact giving, government support, needs of communities, equity, and justice. But charities know that their 501(c)(3) status comes with a prohibition against political campaign intervention. They cannot endorse or otherwise support candidates for public office. I’ll be discussing what they can do, including how they might weigh in on impeachment.

I hope you’ll listen in. I’ll post some takeaways here a few days after the show airs.

Additional Resources

My colleagues at NEO Law Group and I have discussed with Tony the topics of nonprofit advocacy and electioneering before. See Nonprofit Radio: Election Year Advocacy (2016) and Nonprofit Radio: Your Nonprofit in Politics (2011).

The Electioneering Prohibition: A Closer Look
Employee Endorsements & Election Activities
Candidate Appearances & Debates
Voter Guides & Candidate Questionnaires

The Restriction of Political Campaign Intervention by Section 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organizations (IRS)

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ban on Political Campaign Intervention by 501(c)(3) Organizations (IRS)

Charities, Churches and Politics (IRS)

The Rules of the Game: A Guide to Election-Related Activities for 501(c)(3) Organizations (Bolder Advocacy, Alliance for Justice)