Nonprofit Law Podcast #10: Restricted funds and lobbying

Restricted funds and lobbying

Download: Nonprofit Law Podcast #10 (mp3, 5:32)

Shownotes

Intro

Tim Mooney… Welcome to the Nonprofit Law Podcast
Your guide to the laws impacting nonprofits.
Shownotes…. nplawcast.com
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Restricted funds

Government grants - can't lobby with the funds
Statutory limits - part of a charter, sometimes limits activity
Grant agreements - contractual agreements that limit use of the money

In many circumstances, the limits run with the money - if you use money from outside of that pool, you are allowed to lobby.

Example: A 501(c)(3) organization receives 40% of its funding from federal grants, and an additional 40% of its funding from private foundation grants that have a restrictive clause for lobbying as a part of the agreement. Can the organization lobby?

Answer: Yes, so long as the organization complies with the limits to lobbying as a part of its tax status.

Resources

Alliance for Justice: The Rules of the Game

Closing

Email me with questions and suggested topics
AP audio & handbook on using the Internet, podcasting and social networking for your nonprofit coming later this summer
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This podcast provides general information about legal topics but it is not a complete discussion of all legal issues that arise in relation to nonprofits nor is it a substitute for legal advice. This podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. This is general legal information and the contributors make no warranties regarding the general legal information provided in this podcast , and disclaim liability for damages resulting from its use to the fullest extent permitted by the applicable law.