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

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.

• Want to Conduct or Fund a Voter Registration Drive? Tips for Public Charities and Private Foundations
  • Dispelling myths about restrictions on voter registration drives and providing guidance for strategic and impactful election season planning.

• 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.

• Candidate Questionnaires and Voter Guides
  • Keep your organization’s issues at the forefront during an election year without putting your tax-exempt status at risk.

• 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.

• 501(c)(3) Contact with Parties and Candidates Concerning Election Protection Efforts: Before, During, and After Election Day
  • Navigate election protection efforts while maintaining lawful contact with parties and candidates.

• 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.

• Voter Registration Rules for Private Foundations 
  • Navigate the unique rules governing voter registration grants by private foundations.

• 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.

• 501(c)(3) Employees Running for Office 
  • Navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when 501(c)(3) employees run for office.

• Election Activities for Individuals Associated with 501(c)(3)s 
  • Understand how individuals associated with nonprofits (like staff, volunteers, and board members) can engage in election activities responsibly without putting the nonprofits they work for at risk.

• Election Year Activities for 501(c)(4) Organizations 
  • Explore specific activities that 501(c)(4) organizations can use to amplify their impact during election years.

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!