California Campaign Finance and Ballot Measure Guide Prepares Nonprofits for Civic Engagement in 2020

Bold and creative nonprofits in California are turning to ballot measures as a way to move policies and community services funding forward. Likewise, progressive activists have had to fight against ballot measures that would to turn back the clock on policy gains in reproductive justice, marriage equality, environmental sustainability, the death penalty, and more. Click here to read more and check out our new resource.

Making Election-Season “Money Moves” While Remaining Nonpartisan

To what extent can 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations weigh in on a possible Cardi B candidacy? Regardless of your personal like or dislike of Cardi B, her music, or her public policy preferences, her potential entrée in to the land of politics serves as an important reminder of the limitations placed on 501(c)(3) election season activities. While 501(c)(3)s are permitted to engage in nonpartisan advocacy designed to get out the vote and to educate both voters and candidates, they are prohibited from supporting or opposing candidates for public office. Click here to read more.

Treasury IG’s Report Underscores Change in (c)(4) Filing Requirements

This is a good opportunity to remind new 501(c)(4)s that they must file Form 8976 within 60 days of formation. Although the Treasury IG reports thousands of 501(c)(4)s have failed to file and have not been penalized, it’s unlikely that this forbearance on the new filing requirement will continue. Click here to learn more.

Check Out Our New Website!

This week, Alliance for Justice launched a new website. The site highlights the two pillars of our work, Justice and Bolder Advocacy. Some of the most extraordinary achievements in recent decades — marriage equality, access to health care, raising the minimum wage, protecting young immigrants — have come about because nonprofits were willing to take their rightful place at the policymaking table, and foundations were generously willing to fund such organizations. Our new website makes it even easier to take the first steps toward making a difference in our communities and across our country.

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.

Lobbying and Advocacy 101
Tuesday, January 21 - 2 PM ET

Now more than ever, your community is relying on you to stand up for them. If you think your 501(c)(3) public charity status prevents you from advocating for new laws and policies, think again! Whether protecting the rights of undocumented immigrants, pushing for quality education, or demanding safe communities for everyone, you can legally advocate for public policy and community change at every level of government. Click here to learn more and sign up. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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