https://traffic.libsyn.com/rulesofthegame/ROTG95-New_Years_Resolutions.mp3   On this episode, we’re going to talk about those pesky new year’s resolutions… and no, we’re not talking about signing up for a gym membership or signing up for a marathon. We’re talking about resolutions that nonprofit organizations can apply as we enter into the year 2024. As you all know, 2024 is like Stefon from SNL, it has everything…primaries, general elections, an additional day… So as you are headed for your holiday break, we wanted to leave you with a list of things your nonprofit organization can do as ..read more

https://traffic.libsyn.com/rulesofthegame/ROTG95-New_Years_Resolutions.mp3   On this episode, we’re going to talk about those pesky new year’s resolutions… and no, we’re not talking about signing up for a gym membership or signing up for a marathon. We’re talking about resolutions that nonprofit organizations can apply as we enter into the year 2024. As you all know, 2024 is like Stefon from SNL, it has everything…primaries, general elections, an additional day… So as you are headed for your holiday break, we wanted to leave you with a list of things your nonprofit organization can do as ..read more

https://traffic.libsyn.com/rulesofthegame/ROTG94-firewalls.mp3   On this episode, we discuss best practices for working in coalition and with affiliated organizations and the importance of firewalls to 501(c)(4)s that engage in independent expenditures.   Our Attorneys for This Episode: Monika Graham Susan Finkle-Sourlis Leslie Barnes In this Episode Working in Coalition – Affiliated Organizations   Maximize advocacy and resources  501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) activities  Establishing legal, financial, and programmatic independence  Separate names, logos, EI ..read more

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 6, 2023 – Alliance for Justice’s Bolder Advocacy program and the Democracy Capacity Project are proud to announce the completion of their Practical Guidance – Nonprofit Lobbying series. The series provides resources for all 50 states and the District of Columbia to assist nonprofits in their efforts to build power through policy advocacy. It provides the information nonprofits need to design and run state and local-level legislative and executive branch advocacy programs in compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing those activities.   “One of the m ..read more

Before Thanksgiving, OpenAI — one of the most talked about nonprofits in the United States —went through a chaotic and very public leadership change (that was subsequently reversed) with its for-profit subsidiary. This prompted a lot of questions, most notably “wait, ChatGPT is a 501(c)(3) public charity but also… not?” It turns out, charitable organizations have been paired with, and have even controlled, for-profit LLCs and other holding corporations for many years.   While OpenAI is a current and prominent example, you’ve probably heard of or even used the products or services of ..read more

https://traffic.libsyn.com/rulesofthegame/ROTG93-Advocacy_Successes.mp3   On this episode we’re excited to highlight nonprofit success stories from around the country. While we talk about lobbying on this podcast, legislative wins are one type of advocacy victory. We’ll look at some legislative victories as well as other types of advocacy such as relationship building, corporate advocacy, and funding wins. For some organizations, legislative victories can bring additional resources to your community. For other organizations, legislative victories can serve as harm reduction in the interim ..read more

On Tuesday, November 7, millions of voters across multiple states decided the fate of several ballot measures, including a number of vital constitutional amendments. Though 501(c)(3) public charities are prohibited from supporting or opposing candidates for public office, they can engage in ballot measure advocacy. November’s elections serve as a reminder of how 501(c)(3) organizations can become involved in the electoral process by supporting or opposing ballot measures and how they can advance public policy by securing ballot measure wins. As the 2024 general election looms, the resounding s ..read more

https://traffic.libsyn.com/rulesofthegame/ROTG92_Development_for_Advocacy_Organizations.mp3 On this episode, we’re going to talk about funding… More specifically, how your nonprofit can raise dollars from private and public foundations to support your advocacy work. We’re joined on this episode by Emily Harting, AFJ’s Director of Foundation Relations. Our Attorneys for This Episode: Emily Harting Natalie Roetzel Ossenfort Victor Rivera Labiosa In This Episode Introducing Emily Harting   Tips for Groups Working to Identify Potential Foundation Partners: Start with path of least resis ..read more

https://traffic.libsyn.com/rulesofthegame/ROTG91-PAC-Taxonomy.mp3   On this edition, we revisit PACs by talking about three different categories you run into every election cycle. What makes a Super PAC super? What can a traditional PAC do? And will the IRS revoke your tax-exempt status if your charity has to register or form a ballot measure PAC? We’re delving into PAC taxonomy to answer these questions today!  Our Attorneys for This Episode: Susan Finkle-Sourlis Tim Mooney Quyen Tu In This Episode Defining the various types of PACs. We came up with two approaches.  What activ ..read more

At Bolder Advocacy, we demystify the rules of lobbying and elections for nonprofit advocates, but let’s be honest — the laws that govern this important topic are a bit dry. Sometimes we need to spice things up a bit to convey the important parts without inducing a sleep spell on folks who need the information. One of the more challenging nuggets is comparing the various tax-exempt organization structures, particularly given the naming convention for them is snatched from their relevant sections of the tax code, separated by a single digit. The difference between a 501(c)(3) and a 501(c)(5) isn ..read more