Building Power: Southern California Funders Fueling Activism in 2020

2020 is full of pivotal civic engagement opportunities in California, such as the census, an enhanced role for California in the Presidential election, ballot measures, a receptive California governor and legislature, and the beginning of redistricting efforts. With a keen eye toward the role that funders and nonprofits can play in these areas and more, Alliance for Justice’s Southern California office was thrilled to start the year off with an invigorating event. Read more about our event.

Accountability Advocacy for 501(c)(3)s

Nonprofits can hold their elected officials accountable for how they serve their constituents. Too often, nonprofits assume that “accountability” efforts are inherently political, and therefore prohibited. However, there are a variety of activities in which nonprofits may engage to remind legislators that their issues matter, educate constituents about legislators’ positions and actions, and demonstrate to legislators that their votes will not go unnoticed. Learn more.

California Campaign Finance and Ballot Measure Guide

We're pleased to share our latest state law resource - a guide on California campaign finance and ballot measure law, including contributions, expenditures, registering/reporting as a political committee. Check it out to learn more!

Public Webinars

Webinars cover our most frequently requested topics. They’re presented by one of AFJ’s attorney-coaches and last approximately 1 hour. You may register online. Workshop registration is $35 per attendee and free for current AFJ members.

All of these workshops come with access to related resources (such as fact sheets and publications), a PDF of the presentation, and a 30-day access to a recording of the webinar. Several workshops are conducted in Spanish. Note: You will need high-speed internet access to participate in these webinars.

Social Media Rules for 501(c)(3) Organizations
Tuesday, February 25 - 2 PM ET

There has been an amazing increase in the avenues available to nonprofits to communicate their messages to an ever wider audience. These means of communication may be new, by the rules that govern advocacy by nonprofits have not changed. Click here to learn more and sign up. 

California Lobbying Disclosure Rules for 501(c)(3) Organizations
Tuesday, March 10 - 2 PM ET

Nonprofits can safely, legally, and effectively engage in state-level advocacy and lobbying work in California, but they need to understand what rules apply to their lobbying activities under California state law in addition to federal tax law. Click here to learn more and sign up. 

Advocacy and Community Organizing: Evaluation and Capacity Building
Tuesday, March 24 - 2 PM ET

It’s crucial for advocates and organizers to have a keen understanding of organizational capacity so that they can act quickly when opportunities arise. Alliance for Justice’s free capacity assessment tools – ACT and PowerCheck – are designed to help organizations, groups, and coalitions become more nimble, strategic, and resilient while carrying out their missions. Click here to learn more and sign up.

What Foundations Need Their Grantees To Know
Wednesday, March 25 - 2 PM ET

Most 501(c)(3) public charities rely on support from foundations to carry out their programs, but don't always understand the legal rules that govern how foundations can give out money for advocacy activities. Understanding the rules that foundations operate under will help grantee organizations be savvier when it comes to requesting support for their advocacy, and how to describe their work to funders. Click here to learn more and sign up. 

In-Person Events

Nonprofit Advocacy in Southern California's Inland Counties: You Can Do It!
Thursday, February 27 - 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM PT

Now more than ever, your community is relying on you to stand up and be civically engaged. Whether fighting for the rights of immigrants, pushing for needed services, or demanding safe communities for everyone, your 501(c)(3) can legally advocate for public policy and community change at every level of government. Click here to learn more and sign up.

In-Person Technical Assistance
Friday, February 28 - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT 

San Francisco
Los Angeles

Speaking Out: Arts Advocacy Rights and Responsibilities
Monday, March 16 - 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM PT

Think your 501(c)(3) status prevents you from speaking up for arts funding and for your community? Think again! And you know 501(c)(3) organizations are supposed to stay nonpartisan, but are your organizations allowed to praise a politician who champions the arts or criticize the policy decisions of someone running for re-election? Can you support or oppose a measure that’s on the ballot in California? Click here to learn more and sign up.

Manager, Foundation Advocacy

We are seeking a Manager, Foundation Advocacy to conceptualize and implement a variety of outreach and educational programs for foundations and philanthropy-serving organizations to expand their investment in advocacy at the foundation level and among their grantees. To learn more and apply, click here.

Counsel, Bolder Advocacy - Northern California

We are seeking a full-time experienced counsel based in our Northern California office to provide a range of expertise on legal and effective advocacy activities for nonprofits and foundations.The counsel will facilitate trainings and workshops that broaden advocacy work of funders and social justice organizations across the country. Click here to learn more and apply. 

Counsel, Bolder Advocacy - Houston

In recent months, demand for our services has increased dramatically in Texas, prompting the decision to open a secondary office in Houston.  Our new Houston office will address the needs of the region’s diverse nonprofit population by providing bilingual assistance and training to local nonprofits, helping them to amplify the voices of their communities and constituents. We are now hiring a counsel position to staff the Houston office. Click here to learn more and apply.