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

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California Campaign Finance and Ballot Measure Guide
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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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California Campaign Finance and Ballot Measure Guide
Guide on California campaign finance and ballot measure law, including contributions, expenditures, registering/reporting as a political committee. This guide includes: Overview Key Concepts Activities Your Organization Can Engage in That Won’t Trigger Disclosure Contribution Limits and Source Restrictions Registration and Reporting Requirements Reminders About IRS Rules Registration Thresholds Types of Recipient Committees Registration and Reporting […]
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Influencing Redistricting in California
This factsheet explains the process of redistricting in California....
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How Nonprofits Can Ensure an Accurate Census Count
Encourage States to Waive Income Limits for Temporary Census Workers...
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Census Advocacy: What Your Nonprofit Needs to Know
Background The 2020 Census is expected to be one of the most critical counts in decades as it will not only influence the fairness of democratic representation for hundreds of millions of people across the country, but will determine the distribution of billions of dollars in federal funding for years to come. From support for […]
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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...

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.