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Advocacy is Part of Your Mission

Nonprofits exist to solve problems, improve systems, facilitate joyful connections, and create lasting change. Advocacy is one of the most effective ways to do that. When nonprofits speak up about the issues affecting their work and the people they serve, they help shape better policies, funding decisions, and community outcomes.

Myth-Busting Lobbying Rules for Nonprofits Lobbying vs. Educating Lawmakers Voter Engagement Additional Resources Subscribe to Legislative Watch

Advocacy is not extra work. It is the work.

Advocacy doesn't have to mean lobbying. Most advocacy happens every day. It's sharing expertise, educating decision‑makers, telling your story, and elevating community voices. These actions help ensure that real‑world experience informs public policy.

  • Advocacy helps nonprofits advance their mission, not drift from it.
  • Nonprofits bring on‑the‑ground knowledge policymakers don't always have.
  • Public policy decisions affect funding, regulations, and access to services.
  • Federal law protects nonprofit advocacy and lobbying as part of our democracy.

Myth-Busting: Nonprofits and Politics

There's a lot of confusion about what nonprofits can and can't do. Let's clear up a few common misconceptions.

Myth: “Nonprofits can't lobby.”

Truth: 501(c)(3) nonprofits can lobby, within limits. Lobbying is legal and protected, as long as it does not become a “substantial” part of your activities. (Source: IRS)

Myth: “Talking to legislators is always lobbying.”

Truth: Meeting with elected officials is allowed and often encouraged. It only becomes lobbying if you advocate for or against specific legislation. (Source: IRS)

Myth: “Advocacy equals partisan politics.”

Truth: Advocacy is issue‑based, not candidate‑based. Nonprofits may not endorse or oppose candidates, but they can speak out on issues that affect their mission. (Source: IRS)

Myth: “Only big organizations can advocate.”

Truth: Everyday advocacy—emails, meetings, stories, education—can be done by nonprofits of any size. (Source: National Council of Nonprofits)

Lobbying Rules for Nonprofits

The rules around nonprofit lobbying can feel complicated. Here you'll find a high‑level overview of what counts as lobbying for 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Throughout this page, we link to trusted resources where you can dig deeper into the details, examples, and nuances.

To be considered lobbying, 501(c)(3) nonprofits must meet these two requirements:

  • Directly supporting or opposing specific legislation, and
  • Communicating that position to legislators or urging the public to do so.

Types of Lobbying

  • Direct lobbying: Communicating with a legislator about a specific bill.
  • Grassroots lobbying: Encouraging the public to contact legislators about a specific bill.

What's Allowed

  • Nonprofits are permitted to spend some resources on lobbying efforts.
  • Most nonprofits never come close to the legal resource spending limits.

What's Not Allowed

  • Supporting or opposing political candidates (this is never allowed for 501(c)(3)s).
  • Excessive lobbying that risks tax‑exempt status.

Lobbying vs. Educating Lawmakers

Not all communication with lawmakers is lobbying. By educating legislators about community needs, program outcomes, and emerging challenges, nonprofits help shape informed public policy. Many of these interactions are educational, not lobbying, and knowing the difference helps nonprofits engage without hesitation.

Educating is Generally Not Lobbying If…

  • You share research, data, or lived experience.
  • You explain a problem without urging action on a specific bill.
  • You discuss broad policy issues rather than named legislation.

Examples of Non-Lobbying

  • Providing background information on community needs.
  • Inviting a legislator to tour your organization.
  • Answering questions about how programs work.
  • Sharing nonpartisan research or reports.

When It Becomes Lobbying

  • You ask for support or opposition to a specific bill.
  • You urge others to contact lawmakers about legislation.

Voter Engagement

Nonpartisan voter engagement is allowed and encouraged. 501(c)(3) nonprofits may engage in nonpartisan voter activities that encourage civic participation and strengthen democracy.

Permitted activities include:

  • Voter registration (without party or candidate bias).
  • Voter education on issues and the voting process.
  • Get‑out‑the‑vote efforts that are nonpartisan.
  • Hosting candidate forums if done fairly and neutrally.

Key rule: You must never support or oppose a candidate or political party.

Additional Advocacy Resources

Advocacy is more effective when we work together.

This is a simplified overview; organizations should consult legal or tax counsel for guidance specific to their situation.