Nonprofits & Elections

“Often times, we are told all the things we can’t do.”

There’s a huge election on the horizon, and there’s a lot at stake for many of our clients. One thing that I have heard over and over again is that the belief that nonprofits can’t engage in elections. And while there are rules you absolutely do have to follow, the truth is that legally you are allowed to do much more than many think. 

 To note—I am not a lawyer, I am not an expert on this topic, but I have done work on the advocacy side of nonprofits, and I have worked with many organizations that engage in electoral work in perfectly legal and effective ways. Which is why I am sharing a resource from the true experts and organization that I really trust to share accurate information, Bolder advocacy. They provide an excellent Election Checklist for 501c3’s and Public Charities that I believe everyone should review. 

 Often times, we are told all the things we can’t do. Nonprofits can’t endorse a candidate, ask candidates to sign pledges on issues, or make a campaign contribution. But they can do a lot of other things like educating candidates on your issues, publish legislative scorecards, and do nonprofit get-out-the-vote activities. You can’t tell people who to vote for, but you can provide education so that your supporters can make their own decisions. All the details are provided in the resource I linked above, and you should review before you act. 

 Getting involved in electoral work is not something that every nonprofit needs to do, but there are plenty of organizations out there who are doing good work in communities that will be impacted by the outcomes of upcoming elections (big and small), and having the facts is a great place to start the conversation on how you will (or will not) engage. 

 And finally, you are individuals outside of your work, and if you are able to vote we hope you will!