Running the Advocacy Race: Bolder Advocacy's Top Resources for an Impactful 2024 Election Season - Alliance for Justice

Running the Advocacy Race: Bolder Advocacy’s Top Resources for an Impactful 2024 Election Season

Blog

Natalie Roetzel Ossenfort

Topics

Ballot Measures, Election Related Activities, Public Charity Advocacy


Election season is like a marathon for politicians, but it doesn’t have to be an obstacle course for nonprofits. At Alliance for Justice’s Bolder Advocacy program, we have the information you need to build power, amplify your impact, and safely engage in voter outreach and other election-related activities. Check out the resource list below to learn more about how your nonprofit can maximize its advocacy in the lead-up to November 2024.


Guides

  • The Rules of the Game: A Guide to Election Related Activities for 501(c)(3) Organizations
    • Understand the do’s and don’ts of nonprofit election season advocacy.
  • The Connection: Strategies for Creating and Operating 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and Political Organizations (2024 update coming soon!)
    • Stay ahead of the game with strategies for creating and managing affiliated organizations and coalitions.
  • Practical Guidance: Voter Assistance Series
    • Navigate state-level voter engagement laws with this insightful series created in partnership with The Democracy Capacity Project.

Factsheets

  • Commenting on Candidates and Campaigns: How 501(c)(3)s Can Respond During an Election Year
    • Learn how to set the record straight when candidates comment on issues that are core to your nonprofit’s mission.
  • Keeping Nonpartisan During Election Season: What 501(c)(3)s Need to Know
    • Engaging in election-related activities is an effective way for 501(c)(3)s to improve civic dialogue, strengthen democracy, give a voice to the underrepresented, and make an impact on important issues.
  • Hosting Candidates at Charitable Events: Ensuring Candidate Appearances Remain Nonpartisan
    • Learn the rules you need to know when having candidates speak at your 501(c)(3)’s events in their official or candidate capacity.
  • Ballot Measures and Public Charities: Yes, you can influence that vote!
    • Explore how your nonprofit can influence ballot measures and play a vital role in the democratic process by building local policy power.
  • Hosting Candidate Debates: Public Charities Can Educate the Community Through Candidate Debates
    • A guide on how to host a nonpartisan candidate debate and ultimately educate voters and encourage voter participation.
  • Setting the Record Straight: How Your 501(c)(3) Can Distribute Voting Records or Legislative Scorecards
    • How to legally distribute a legislative scorecard, or voting record, to keep your constituents informed – without compromising your nonprofit’s tax-exempt status.
  • The Hatch Act of 1939: Frequently Asked Questions
    • Does your nonprofit receive federal funds? Understand the impact of the Hatch Act on nonprofit advocacy and lobbying.
  • Foundation Support for Election-Related Activities: It’s legal. It’s important. It’s doable.
    • Bolster democracy, amplify civic dialogue, and empower underrepresented communities through effective support of your grantees’ election-related activities.
  • Debating the Future: Foundations Can Educate the Community Through Candidate Debates
    • Foundations can host candidate debates too, but know the rules before you dive in.

Workshops & Technical Assistance

  • Have a nonprofit election season advocacy question? Click here for free technical assistance.
  • Fill out this form to schedule an election-season advocacy workshop for your nonprofit’s team.

Empower your nonprofit with knowledge and strategies to navigate election season successfully. Together, let’s make a lasting impact!