Advocacy and Lobbying for 501 (c)3's 101

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Non-Profit Advocacy 101

Presenter: Tim Mooney, Senior Counsel, Alliance for Justice

501(c)3 non-profits play an important role in educating the public about policy issues and actions taken by elected officials, including Congress. Elected officials draft and vote on bills, make public statements, and set the course for public policy on a wide range of issues. These actions may be consistent with or conflict with a nonprofit’s position on an issue. After this workshop you will have a clear understanding of how to maximize your advocacy, the kinds of advocacy activities 501(c)3s can engage in, and when a communication is considered lobbying.

Participants will learn: 

• How federal tax law permits lobbying for not-for-profit organizations and how lobbying is defined 
• One easy step most non-profits can take to maximize the amount they’re allowed to spend on lobbying
• Yearly lobbying limits for not-profit organizations
• Tips for taking advantage of the narrow definitions of lobbying – which will help charities make the most of their lobbying limit and non-lobbying advocacy activities
• The application of these rules to ballot measure activities



This session complements Being a Player: A Guide to the IRS Lobbying Regulations for Advocacy Charities.

Additional Resources:

• Election checklist for 501 (c)3's- Ensuring Election Year Advocacy Efforts Remain Nonpartisan
• Keeping Track- A Guide to Recordkeeping for Advocacy Charities
• Maximize Your Lobbying Limit- Elect to Measure Your Lobbying Using the 501(h) Expenditure Test
• Public Charities Can Lobby- Guidelines for 501(c)(3) Public Charities
• The Rules of The Game- A Guide to Election-Related Activities for 501(c)(3) Organizations