Joint Committee on Taxation: Political and Lobbying Activities of Tax-Exempt Organizations (April 2022)

The Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight of the Senate Committee on Finance held a public hearing on May 4, 2022, entitled “Laws and Enforcement Governing the Political Activities of Tax Exempt Entities.” The Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) prepared a document in connection with the hearing containing an overview of present-law rules governing the […]

CalNonprofits Policy Convention 2018

The CalNonprofits 2018 Policy Convention will take place at The California Endowment (1000 N. Alameda Street) in Los Angeles on Thursday, October 18. The Convention features Vu Le, creator of the popular blog NonprofitAF.com, and Tamika Butler, CEO of Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, as its keynote speakers. The theme for the 2018 Policy Convention: Nonprofits Standing Up for California. […]

Bar Associations and Advocacy

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking to leaders of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) attending its Western Regional Conference. Following the Conference, I participated on a NAPABA webinar – Speaking Out – Advocacy and Rapid Responses to Urgent Issues. Here are some of the tax issues I covered: […]

Advocacy Workshop for CA Central Valley Nonprofits – July 26, 2017

Bolder Advocacy, an Initiative of Alliance for Justice, is hosting a workshop on Wednesday, July 26th for nonprofits in California’s Central Valley.  The interactive workshop is intended for staff and board members of 501(c)(3) public charities and cover the applicable legal rules on such organizations engaging in advocacy.  The workshop will specifically cover the following […]

Nonprofit Advocacy in the Trump Era: AAPIP2017

It was an honor to participate at the Asian Americans-Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) 2017 National Network Convening and Annual Meeting that took place May 19-20 in Los Angeles and speak on the subject of nonprofit advocacy. The Legal Aspects of Philanthropic & Nonprofit Advocacy in the Trump Era Moderator: Suk Rhee, Northwest Health Foundation Panelist: James […]

Advocacy: An essential board responsibility

[Updated – original version published on July 15, 2015] Advocacy is an essential board responsibility. That’s the new message being espoused by BoardSource in connection with the release of the third edition of Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards. I’ve long asserted that board members should consider whether advocacy (and in some cases lobbying) would be an effective strategy and if […]

When Should a 501(c)(3) Consider Creating an Affiliated 501(c)(4)?

501(c)(3) organizations have numerous tools at their disposal for achieving their charitable purposes, and also have the distinct advantage of being able to receive contributions that are generally tax-deductible for donors.  However, in exchange for tax-exemption and the ability to receive deductible charitable contributions, the law places some limitations on the permissible advocacy-related activities of […]

New Frontiers: 2016 Independent Sector Annual Conference

Washington DC is the site for New Frontiers, the 2016 Independent Sector Annual Conference and Public Policy Action Institute, taking place  November 15-18. The Conference comes at a pivotal time for the nonprofit sector and our nation, rigidly divided on so many issues and characterized in many ways by a disengaged and disenchanted citizenry. The opening reception will […]

Nonprofit Radio: Election Year Advocacy

I’ll be on Nonprofit Radio this Friday at 10:30 am PT / 1:30 pm ET discussing What’s Permissible Advocacy with host Tony Martignetti. Catch us live on Talking Alternative or a few days later on iTunes. How much can your nonprofit participate in the presidential election? Can you educate? Endorse? Lobby? Gene Takagi walks us through what’s allowed; disallowed; and questionable. Who […]