It’s another presidential election year, which means another big opportunity to inform your community and help get out the vote!
And yes, your nonprofit can participate – as long as you’re careful to keep your efforts nonpartisan. That’s why we’ve put together this election year resource hub, linking you to helpful checklists, expert discussions, official IRS guidance, and more.
Staying Compliant
General Guidance
Staying on Course: Navigating Election Year Issues for Exempt Organizations | ArentFox Schiff LLP
Outlines the legal statutes surrounding election activity for 501c3 nonprofits, permissible activities, and the rules governing 501c4 and 501c6 nonprofits.
Keeping Nonpartisan During Election Season | Alliance for Justice
Fact sheet with specific examples of “what you can say and discuss” and what you can’t, as well as a chart of whether common activities are permissible for private foundations, public foundations and charities, and outside speakers at public charity events.
Podcast | How Your Nonprofit Can Participate in “Get Out the Vote” Initiatives | Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Robyn Miller, Senior Corporate & Tax Counsel with PBPA, speaks with us about the difference between political activity, lobbying and civic engagement. [22 minutes]
Collaborating With a 501c4 Without Jeopardizing Your 501c3 Tax-Exempt Status | Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
How to work with an organization that’s permitted to engage more heavily in political activities.
Checklists
Permissible Election Activities Checklist | Nonprofit Vote
Easy-to-reference checklist of permissible and prohibited activities.
Election Checklist for 501c3 Public Charities | Bolder Advocacy
Printable checklist of permissible and prohibited activities.
Official IRS Guidance
501c3 Tax Guide for Churches & Religious Organizations | IRS
A thorough but layman-friendly guide from the IRS, with examples.
The Restriction of Political Campaign Intervention by Section 501c3 Tax-Exempt Organizations | IRS
Official language from the IRS permitting nonprofits to engage in voter education and registration activities.
Permissible Election Activities Checklist | Nonprofit Vote
Easy-to-reference checklist of permissible and prohibited activities.
Engaging Voters
Practical Guidance for Nonprofit Voter Assistance in Georgia | Bolder Advocacy
Complete, easy-to-follow guide for conducting voter registration, voter outreach, and other Get Out the Vote efforts in Georgia, updated to include election laws enacted in 2021.
Video | Nonprofits and Elections 2024: Why and How You Should Engage (and Stay Nonpartisan) | National Council of Nonprofits
A discussion among national experts covering reasons and methods for engaging with voters. [1 hour 15 minutes]
Candidate Forums | Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
How your 501c3 can host a discussion with political candidates while staying nonpartisan.
Increase Voter Participation Through Nonpartisan Education | Independent Sector / League of Women Voters
A list of ways to educate voters and encourage them to participate in elections.
National Voter Registration Day
Home of the national event, taking place this year on September 17, featuring a library of voter registration resources.
Webinars from GCN
Below, find three webinars put together by GCN to assist in the practical application of DEI work.
Building Equity from the Inside Out
Dr. Dietra Hawkins on the complex concept of “building equity,” which encompasses personal bias, small everyday leadership decisions, strategy choices, policy construction, and structural norms across entire systems.
Building Equity Leadership
Living Cities presents the case study of their incredible journey into DEI, chronicling the difference that young leaders have made and the transformational effect of an equity-centered strategy.
Tenant's Rights, Public Benefits, and Your Clients
The Georgia Legal Services Program details the tenant laws and relief opportunities for nonprofits that work with renters at risk of eviction.