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Enabling nonprofits to shape the public debate on important social issues.

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Tools for Effective Advocacy
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Foundation Advocacy Grants: What Grantees Need to Know
The rules that govern advocacy funding and the different kinds of advocacy that you can choose to engage in as a nonprofit.
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The Connection
Learn about best practices for affiliated organizations and the role 501(c)(4) organizations play in our democracy.
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Nonpartisan Candidate Education: How 501(c)(3)s Can Talk to Candidates
501(c)(3)s are prohibited from supporting or opposing a candidate or political party, so they must be careful when meeting with and educating candidates.
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Praising and Criticizing Incumbents
Public charities play an important role in educating the public about policy issues and actions taken by their elected o...
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Commenting on Candidates’ Statements about Reproductive Rights
Candidates for public office sometimes make statements about abortion and reproductive rights that are incorrect, or wit...
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Candidate Do’s and Don’ts
In this election season, candidate campaigns, organized under federal tax law as 527 organizations, are quickly staffing...
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Ohio – Lobbying or Not?
Common scenarios in Ohio, and whether or not they are considered lobbying.
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Nonpartisan Candidate Education: How 501(c)(3)s Can Talk to Candidates During an Election Year
501(c)(3)s are prohibited from supporting or opposing a candidate or political party, so they must be careful when meeti...
PDF
Foundation Advocacy Grants: What Grantees Need to Know
The rules that govern advocacy funding and the different kinds of advocacy that you can choose to engage in as a nonprof...
PDF
501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) Collaboration
501(c)(3)s and 501(c)(4)s—affiliated or otherwise—may work together to coordinate their advocacy activities to furth...
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Virginia – Lobbying or Not?
Common scenarios in Virginia, and whether or not they are considered lobbying....
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Georgia Lobbying Disclosure
Guide on Georgia lobbying law, including registration and reporting requirements, and lobbying restrictions....

Terminology

Learn the language of advocacy.

Types of Organizations

When it comes to advocacy, knowing what type of organization you are is the first step.