EP 09. What 501(c)(3) Nonprofits Can and Can’t Do in Political Activity

Political activity is one of the easiest places for nonprofits to get confused and one of the riskiest places to get it wrong. In this episode, Olivia Froedge is joined by Katie Buckner, nonprofit attorney at Charitable Allies, to break down what 501(c)(3) organizations can and cannot do in election years, from voter education and lobbying to candidate involvement, issue advocacy, and the difference between (c)(3) and (c)(4) entities. They unpack the fine lines nonprofit leaders need to understand, explain how lobbying rules actually work, and share practical guidance for staying compliant while still protecting your mission and speaking up on the issue that matter. Things You Will Learn: How to tell the difference between permitted issue advocacy and prohibited partisan political activity How to evaluate whether your nonprofit’s lobbying activity is compliant and trackable How to decide when a (c)(3), a (c)(4), or a dual-entity structure may make sense Tools & Frameworks Covered: Direct vs. Grassroots Lobbying: helps nonprofits understand what type of advocacy they are actually doing Substantial Part Test vs. 501(h) Election: helps leaders measure lobbying limits with more clarity c3 vs. c4 Structure Comparison: helps organizations choose the right compliance path for advocacy goals Additional Resource: 501(c)(3) Lobbying Limits: What Nonprofits Need to Know Before Advocating - https://charitableallies.org/501c3-lobbying-limits-what-nonprofits-need-to-know-before-advocating/ #NonprofitLaw #501c3 #NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitGovernance #PoliticalActivity ✅ SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@charitableallies/podcasts Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/501c-suite/id1854799490 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/18IVmECOQ1MMOOthGrSkRh Want more help with your nonprofit’s bylaws? Visit https://charitableallies.org/