New Guide Prepares Nonprofits to Robocall Responsibly

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 5, 2025 – Bolder Advocacy, a program of Alliance for Justice, has published its newest guide: Robocalling Rules. This major update lays out all of the different hurdles nonprofits and foundations might face when trying to reach their audience through robocalling and robotexting campaigns.

Since AFJ published its first guide on robocalling in 2016, there have been massive changes to the landscape, both in terms of how people use technology and what laws and judicial precedents govern robocalls and robotexts. Given how cost-effective such outreach can be, this second edition aims to help organizations navigate all the restrictions on phone calls and texting put in place by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Election Commission (FEC), and Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

“Nonprofits can use robocalls and robotexts in so many important ways, including updating their supporters on new outreach efforts, recruiting support for petitions, and getting out the vote,” said Natalie Roetzel Ossenfort, program director of Bolder Advocacy. “Our goal is always to make sure organizations know how to reach as many people as possible while minding the different rules and regulations that apply to such communications. This guide is perfect for both nonprofits trying these forms of outreach for the first time and those looking to grow advocacy campaigns already underway.”

The guide outlines the different restrictions between landlines and cell phones, the importance of audience consent, disclaimer and disclosure requirements, and requirements that may also be imposed by state law.

“Nonprofits are the most powerful advocates for their communities and their missions when they can reach their audience where they are, and that’s increasingly on their phones,” said Keith Thirion, interim co-president of Alliance for Justice. “AFJ has always prided itself on providing nonprofits resources that meet the moment. This significant update is the most comprehensive resource available to nonprofits on how to safely use automated call and text systems to reach millions of people.”

AFJ partnered with Trister, Ross, Schadler & Gold on the production of this resource.

Click here to read Robocalling Rules: Before You Pick Up The Phone, Hold That Call.