Nonprofit Advocacy: Rules of the Game Erin Skene-Pratt, Consultant July 12, 2017 What are you interested in learning today?

Agenda Common definitions Rationale for advocacy Advocacy tactics Rules governing nonprofit lobbying Strategize for success

*Most advocacy tactics are not lobbying!* Common Definitions Advocacy – Support for a particular cause or policy Lobbying – An advocacy tactic to influence specific legislation Public Policy – Laws, rules and funding priorities of government Policymaker – A person or entity that makes public policy *Most advocacy tactics are not lobbying!*

The Question Is Not “Should we Advocate” but “Can we Afford Not to?” Exercise – Why do you think advocacy is important?

Types of Advocacy Educating public on issues of concern Educating policymakers on issues Building relationships with policymakers Nonpartisan voter engagement Lobbying Coalition building Outreach to media Research

Examples of Advocacy Educate congressional members on your programs & services Be a resource for state & federal constituent relations Share relevant research and reports Share stories & statistics with policymakers about those that you provide services Invite policymakers to tour your agency & go to coffees Lobby for funding of CSBG Build & maintain a relationship with policymakers Use social media to describe the success of your programs

Advocacy Tips Be persistent & brief Keep to one issue Select the right spokesperson Don’t use jargon – word choice is important Talk from their perspective You are the expert Choose vehicle wisely

Empowering board & volunteer champions Raise awareness Training Rationale for advocacy Catalyze Action Address fears Mobilize Importance of peer to peer persuasion Spokespeople Include in planning Build skills & systems Network mapping Process and procedures

Role Play

IRS Rules for Lobbying Getting your ducks in a row…

Lobbying & Public Charities Yes, You can Lobby! Can’t spend a substantial amount of budget on lobbying File 501H Election! Track lobbying expenses on Form 990 Can’t use federal funds to lobby

The Choice: Substantial Part vs. Expenditure Test Substantial Part The Choice: Substantial Part vs. Expenditure Test Substantial Part Expenditure Test No certain and definitely allowable amounts of lobbying expenditures A single year violation may result in the loss of tax-exempt status Importance of an issue is a relevant factor in determining permissible lobbying activity Possible additional reporting burden on tax form 990 Clear and specific definitions of lobbying Certain and definitely allowable amount of lobbying expenditures No jeopardy to tax-exempt status for a single year violation Importance of an issue is not a factor in measuring permissible lobbying activities Possibly less reporting burden than substantial part test

How Much Can I Spend on Lobbying? A generous amount: 20 percent of the first $500,000 of annual expenditures; 15 percent of the next $500,000 10 percent of the next $500,000 And so on up to $1 million a year. Charitable nonprofits may spend 1/4 of the total amount of their lobbying budget on grassroots lobbying.

Example of ABC charity ABC charity has annual expenditures of $250,000. 20% of $250,000 = $50,000 = Direct lobbying limit 25% of $50,000 = $12,500 = Grassroots lobbying limit Nonprofits can spend a significant amount on lobbying under the expenditure test.

Direct vs. Grassroots Senator Marleau – I urge you to vote for SB 123 to support nonprofits in your district. Direct

Direct vs. Grassroots Friends – I urge you to contact Sen. Hertel and ask him to vote yes on SB 123 to support our local nonprofits. You can find his contact info at… Grassroots Report expenses on 990

Quiz Is it lobbying? Send a letter to your Congressperson urging funding for CNCS? Participate in a protest in support of public education? Host a public forum to discuss homelessness in your community? Call your State Representative to oppose a bill that repeals the state income tax? Share statistics on poverty in your community with policymakers? Meet with your Congressman to talk about your programs and services? Post a call to action on your Facebook page in support of funding for CSBG funding?

Barriers or Concerns What barriers or concerns are you currently experiencing or do you expect to encounter?

Questions?

Contact Erin Skene-Pratt Erin.skenepratt@gmail.com 517-402-2440