What is Lobbying? “Lobbying” is defined as carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence pending or proposed legislation. Attempting to influence legislation includes contacting, or urging members of the public to contact, members or employees of a legislative body to propose, support, or oppose legislation, and advocating for the adoption or rejection of legislation. …
Much brouhaha has been made over President Trump’s May 4 Executive Order claiming to “totally destroy” the Johnson Amendment. The Johnson Amendment is a 1954 law that bars 501(c)(3) organizations from supporting or opposing candidates for public office. As with much in politics, this is truly much ado about nothing. The Executive Order may serve …
Our clients often ask whether they can participate in legislative and political activity. While we encourage clients to lobby on behalf of their interests within the limits prescribed by law (see our previous post), 501(c)(3) organizations cannot engage in activity that supports or opposes candidates for public office. As you know from reading our previous …
As you know from our previous post, the IRS has increased its scrutiny of nonprofit organizations engaging in political activity (as it does every 4 years during the presidential election cycle). This is because while 501(c)(4) organizations are allowed to engage in lobbying without limit, they are not allowed to act in favor of or …
As we told you in a prior post, for many nonprofits, advocacy is an important tool for achieving exempt purposes. In a recent article published by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, successful advocates offer tips to help charities defend their interests. The tips include thanking supportive politicians, developing an agenda, and taking a united position. You …
Among the recommendations of the President’s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform is to eliminate the deduction for charitable contributions. While the report did not receive sufficient votes to require an up-or-down vote in Congress, this recommendation did catch the attention of Congress and, apparently, the White House. This is one of many issues …
