Rules of the Game: The Bolder Advocacy Podcast

As we've talked about on previous editions of the pod, advocacy includes a wide array of different options to help change things for the better in our communities. One of the more important, but less discussed methods, is litigation. On this episode, we dive into the role litigation plays in nonprofit advocacy, its treatment under the law, and things to think about if your nonprofit is looking to...

In this episode of the podcast, we explore the importance of student advocacy and voting. Additionally, we discuss how 501(c)(3) organizations can engage in advocacy efforts during election season. Joining us today is Ally, our Bolder Advocacy legal intern, to answer questions about the impact of student advocacy on campus.    Hosts: Susan Finkle Sourlis (Attorney) Monika Graham (Attorney) Alexand...

We are back again with another edition of Ask Us Anything where we select some of the most popular questions we've received lately to answer on the pod. We are also thrilled to introduce Bolder Advocacy's two newest attorneys Brittany Hacker and Melissa Marichal Zayasas they join us on the pod.   1. Effective Ways for 501(c)(3) Private Foundations to Advocate During Election Season: • Voter educat...

Political attacks on nonprofit organizations can come in many forms, including legal challenges or public smear campaigns. Given the current political climate, organizations that engage in policy reform and election season advocacy ar e com ing under increased scrutiny. As a result, i t is crucial to be proactive and develop a comprehensive strategy to safeguard your organization's reputation and...

On this episode, we dive into the fundamentals of campaign finance reporting, exploring the essentials of what is included in these reports and uncovering valuable insights they provide. From contributions and expenditures to reporting requirements and deadlines, we break down the intricacies of campaign finance reports to empower you with the knowledge needed to navigate and comprehend campaign f...

On this episode we are joined by Erin Bradrick, a principal at Neo Law Group, to delve into the complexities of tax law and its implications for nonprofit organizations during election seasons. Our discussion focuses on the distinctions between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, the specific rules governing their political activities, and the strategies nonprofits can employ to navigate these...

On this episode, we'll discuss the basics of federal election law, including what it regulates, and which tax-exempt organizations need to be aware of it. We'll also review recent FEC opinions that allow for interesting pre- and post-election activities for non-501(c)(3) organizations involving federal candidates. Attorneys for this episode Quyen Tu Susan Finkle-Sourlis Tim Mooney Shownotes 1. Fed...

On this edition we chat with Nonprofit Vote Executive Director Brian Miller about the organization's efforts to expand nonpartisan voter engagement, the fascinating findings in its latest Nonprofit Power Report , and the challenges and strategies for a successful nonpartisan campaign. On this episode Tim Mooney Quyen Tu Special Guest - Brian Miller, Executive Director, Nonprofit Vote   ·       Int...

On this episode, we will discuss how nonprofits can respond when they are asked to share their resources with others. Whether it's data, a mailing list, office space, or something else of value, your nonprofit needs to know what to do when asked to share its assets with other people and groups. And guess what! Your organization's tax status will come into play. If you're a 501(c)(3), you need to b...

On this special edition from the BISC (Ballot Initiative Strategy Center) Road Ahead 2024 conference held in Las Vegas, we bring our takeaways from our sessions on ballot measure advocacy, including handling misinformation, tips on campaigning, garnering cross-ideological support and more.   Lawyers on this episode: Sarah Efthymiou Tim Mooney     Handling misinformation in ballot measure campaigns...

Guess What! It's 2024, which means we have a BIG election on the horizon. Not only will voters take to the polls to decide who will be our next President, but they'll also be invited to speak their voice in relation to ballot measures and down ballot races that will impact our laws and determine who will represent us in local government, state legislatures, Congress, the courts, and more! With so...

On this edition, we answer some of those "greatest hits" questions we always talk about in the intro every week. And since we have primaries and spring elections coming up, we decided to do an all-elections episode to get you ready for your election season advocacy.   Lawyers for this Episode Sarah Efthymiou Susan Finkle Sourlis Tim Mooney   Shownotes   "Can our 501(c)(3) invite a candidate to spe...

For our 100 th episode, we are excited to chat with the incomparable Vu Le of Nonprofit AF . Vu brings his unique blend of insight, humor, and a pinch of provocation to the table, all wrapped up in the perspectives you've come to know from his writing. Vu is a treasure trove of wisdom for the nonprofit world and his takes are all his own and don't necessarily reflect those of Alliance for Justice....

On this episode, we discuss The Connection , Bolder Advocacy's go-to guide on how to create and operate 501(c)(3)s, 501(c)(4)s, and political organizations. In 2024, we release our 5 th edition of The Connection and include several important updates your nonprofit needs to know about as we move into a contentious election season. If your nonprofit has questions about how to safely operate affiliat...

Exploring grassroots advocacy and the various activities that grassroots organizations can use to advance their mission and bring about positive policy change. Attorneys for this Episode Monika Graham Natalie Ossenfort Victor Rivera Shownotes  Introduction  Issue Advocacy and Lobbying  Rallies, Town Halls, and Community Mobilization  Persuading Elected Officials  Advocacy Days and Lobbying  Ballot...

On this episode, we discuss best practices for 501(c)(3) public charities conducting advocacy and nonpartisan activities, like get out the vote or voter education activities during an election year. Election year is upon us and the presidential primaries and caucuses, and primaries for other elected offices are starting to take place and will continue through the November General election.   Attor...

On this edition, we're thrilled to welcome Emma Olson Sharkey from Elias Law Group, bringing her fresh perspective after successfully guiding clients to victory in the critical 2023 Ohio reproductive rights ballot measure fight. Emma will help shed light on the essential considerations for tax-exempt organizations before taking the plunge into a ballot measure campaign. Attorneys for this Episode...

On this episode,  we're going to talk about those pesky new year's resolutions… and no, we're not talking about signing up for a gym membership or signing up for a marathon . W e're talking about resolutions that nonprofit organizations can apply as we enter into the year 2024. As you all know, 2024 is like Stefon from SNL, it has everything … primaries, general elections, an additional day … S o...

On this episode, we discuss best practices for working in coalition and with affiliated organizations and the importance of firewalls to 501(c)(4)s that engage in independent expenditures. Attorneys for this show Monika Graham, Susan Finkle-Sourlis, and Leslie Barnes Working in Coalition – Affiliated Organizations ·       Maximize advocacy and resources ·       501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) activities ·...

On this episode we're excited to highlight nonprofit success stories from around the country. While we talk about lobbying on this podcast, legislative wins are one type of advocacy victory. We'll look at some legislative victories as well as other types of advocacy such as relationship building, corporate advocacy, and funding wins.  For some organizations, legislative victories can bring additio...

On this episode , we're going to talk about funding… More specifically, how your nonprofit can raise dollars from private and public foundations to support your advocacy work. We're joined on this episode by Emily Harting, AFJ's Director of Foundation Relations.      AFJ Team Members on This Episode:     Emily Harting, Natalie Ossenfort, Victor Rivera          Introducing Emily Harting      Tips f...

On this edition, we revisit PACs by talking about three different categories you run into every election cycle. What makes a Super PAC super? What can a traditional PAC do? And will the IRS revoke your tax-exempt status if your charity has to register or form a ballot measure PAC? We're delving into PAC taxonomy to answer these questions today!   Lawyers for this episode Tim Mooney Susan Finkle So...

On this episode we explore ways foundations can support civic engagement projects, including lobbying. Many listeners may be familiar with general operating grants, but today we're joined by an expert to share with us a secret weapon called the project grant rule, what it is, how it works, and who can benefit.  It is our honor to be joined by Abby Levine who is associate general counsel for the Ro...

On this episode, it's another round of your questions on all things advocacy! This time we tackle sign-on letters and election activity.   Attorneys for this Episode Monika Graham Tim Mooney Victor Rivera   Shownotes   Sign-On Letters We are currently working on a sign-on letter to build a wide coalition of supporters for a bill. Our goal is to have 500 partners sign on and for it to be sent to le...

On this episode, continuing our celebration of yesterday's national voter registration day we're revisiting a segment of our foundation myth busting episode all about funding nonpartisan voter registration drives.   Lawyers for this episode Tim Mooney Natalie Ossenfort Jen Powis   Shownotes  MISCONCEPTION: Foundations can't fund public charity voter registration drives ·      Both private and publ...