Nonprofit Law Podcast #33: What counts as lobbying?

What counts as lobbying?


Download: Nonprofit Law Podcast #33 (mp3, 7:32)

Shownotes

Intro

Tim Mooney… Welcome to the Nonprofit Law Podcast
Your guide to the laws impacting nonprofits.
Shownotes…. nplawcast.com
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News & Notes
- Recommended resource if none of the lobbying talk makes sense: Alliance for Justice's Worry-Free Lobbying for Nonprofits (PDF).
- Nonprofits and Elections: Balancing Personal Versus Organizational Activity on-demand video screencast is available now at nplawcast.com/beyondthepodcast.

What counts as lobbying for a public charity?

- Two sets of rules: one has no definitions, the other we'll cover ("501(h) election")
- Do yourself a favor and check to see if your organization has made the 501(h) election - if not, strongly consider making it even if you engage in little or no lobbying activity
- Direct Lobbying:
- Communication
- With a legislator
- Expressing a view on specific legislation
- Grassroots Lobbying:
- Communication
- With the general public
- Expressing a view on specific legislation
- With a call to action
- A great deal of public advocacy is NOT lobbying, even though it is compelling, direct and (sometimes) rather pointed and critical
- Many visits with legislators and their staff are NOT lobbying because the discussion centers on broad issues, not specific legislation
- In doubt? Run your activity through the elements!

Resources
MNCN: Nonprofit Lobbying and the Law
CLPI: Lobbying and the Law
AFJ: State lobbying law resources and Worry-Free Lobbying for Nonprofits

Closing
Email me with questions and suggested topics
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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