Public Charities Can Lobby: How Your 501(c)(3) Can Influence Policy for the Greater Good

When our laws and policies work for us, our communities win. Nonprofits have a close-up view of community needs and can and should take advantage of their right to influence law and policy. After this workshop, you will have a clear understanding of what advocacy activities your 501(c)(3) can engage in, what communications count as lobbying, and how to maximize your non-lobbying advocacy.  

Participants will learn:

• How federal tax law permits lobbying for charities and how lobbying is defined;  
• One easy step most charities can take to maximize the amount they’re allowed to spend on lobbying;  
• Yearly lobbying limits for charities;  
• Tips for taking advantage of the narrow definitions of lobbying – which will help charities make the most of their lobbying limit; and  
• How to apply these rules to ballot measure activities.