1. Lobbying, Advocacy and the Law for Nonprofits under section 501(c)(3) Charity Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI)

2. Lobbying can be an effective means through which a nonprofit can achieve its mission.

3. There are several common myths about the laws on lobbying by charitable nonprofits… n Lobbying is not legal n Even if lobbying is legal it will make an organization subject to audit by the IRS n There are no clear definitions of what is lobbying, and what is not lobbying

4. Is lobbying legal? n YES! Lobbying by charitable nonprofits -- tax-exempt under section 501(c )(3) of the Internal Revenue Code -- is absolutely legal.

5. What do I need to know to follow the IRS rules for lobbying by 501(c)(3)s? n Go to the Charity Lobbying in the Public Interest www.clpi.org or the Alliance for Justice at www. afj.org website for greater detail www.clpi.org www. afj.org www.clpi.org www. afj.org

6. What are nonprofit lobbying No No’s n Nonprofit organizations can not write a check to a candidate for political office n Nonprofit organizations can not endorse a candidate for political office n Executive staff, board members, volunteers any individualwithin these organizations can write a personal check or personally endorse.

7. What is Direct Lobbying? Direct Lobbying is when an organization attempts to influence specific legislation by stating its position or urges a legislator to support, oppose or otherwise take action on a bill or proposed legislation.

8. What is Grassroots Lobbying? n When an organization urges the public to take action on specific legislation n Key elements of grassroots lobbying are: u Refer to specific legislation; u Reflect a point of view on its merits; u Encourage the general public to contact legislators; and u Supply the public with legislative contact information.

9. Ballot Initiatives and Referenda n When a nonprofit urges the public to vote for or against a ballot initiative or referendum. n Lobbying communications for or against ballot initiatives may be conducted through the media or other means. n Lobbying for or against ballot initiatives and referenda is considered direct lobbying, not grassroots, because the public becomes the legislature.

10. Not Lobbying n Response to written requests from a legislative body for technical advice on pending legislation, even if the organization takes a position on the legislation. u E.g., a request to provide testimony at a hearing. u Cannot be a request from an individual legislator.

11. Not Lobbying n Discussion of broad social, economic and similar policy issues whose resolution would require legislation. u Even if specific legislation on the matter is pending. u So long as the discussion does not address the merits of specific legislation.

12. Ballot Measures can be supported by Nonprofits-May 19th Proposition 1A: State Finance Sales Tax, VLF & Other Tax Proposition 1D: Budget Act of 2008 Ca. Children and Families Act: Use of Funds: Services for Children Proposition 1E: The Mental Health Services Act: Prop. 63 Amendments