“The Connection” New Edition Is Vital Guide for Nonprofits

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 3, 2018 – Alliance for Justice’s Bolder Advocacy program is excited to announce the fourth edition of “The Connection: Strategies for Creating and Operating 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)s and Political Organizations,” its comprehensive guide for nonprofits that want to engage in assertive advocacy for their causes while staying in compliance with tax and campaign finance rules. This fourth edition of the guide is especially timely, as it sets out how 501(c)(4)s and political organizations can get involved in the upcoming midterm elections.

“The Connection is a road map for nonprofits that want to be sharp, assertive and effective advocates for their missions, while navigating complex tax and campaign finance laws,” said Abby Levine, Director of the Bolder Advocacy program. “Nonprofits are right to seize opportunities to elevate their issues in this election year. This guidebook tells them how to do it right – and we think nonprofits will be pleasantly surprised to find out how many options are open to them.”

Since it was first published in 1998, The Connection, written by Holly Schadler, Trister, Ross, Schadler & Gold, PLLC, has provided nonprofits with guidance on how they can engage with the public, lawmakers and candidates to affect public policy, and how these organizations can coordinate together, even in an election year. This guide focuses on the role that often-misunderstood 501(c)(4) organizations play in our democracy—as standalone organizations but also in conjunction with affiliated 501(c)(3)s and with political organizations (PACs).

This fourth edition includes updates to the law since the 2012 edition:

• New IRS forms and filing requirements for 501(c)(4)s
• Latest information about employee benefits for affiliated organizations
• Discussion of whether a Super PAC may be formed as a Separate Segregated Fund
• Sample agreements for grants between 501(c)(3)s and 501(c)(4)s
• Updates to campaign contribution limits and political reporting thresholds

Nonprofit organizations and foundations will find The Connection an invaluable resource in this shifting tax and political landscape. They’ll learn the extent to which 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations can coordinate with each other and various political organizations. They’ll understand how nonprofits can share office space, equipment, and even staff with political organizations. They’ll also gain a better understanding of when and how nonprofits can engage with candidates and even comment on the election.

The Connection is complete with real life examples, reporting tips, and sample agreements. It is designed as a resource but does not provide legal advice. Read it online here.