November 30, 2016 – November 30, 2016
835 N. Pleasant Valley Road
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Description:
Lobbying is not only legal – it’s one of the most effective means for nonprofits to advance their missions! Whether influencing the state budget or advocating for legislative reform, there are many reasons that 501(c)(3) public charities choose to lobby to achieve their policy goals. This comprehensive workshop will help explain what lobbying is and why it is so important. Federal law allows 501(c)(3) public charities (including houses of worship and public foundations) to lobby within generous limits, and state law similarly permits nonprofit lobbying and advocacy.
This training addresses:
- How the tax law permits lobbying for nonprofits
- One easy step most charities can take to maximize the amount they’re allowed to spend on lobbying
- Yearly lobbying limits for charities
- Tips for taking advantage of the narrow definitions of lobbying – which will help charities make the most of their lobbying limit
- The application of these rules to ballot measure activities
- Texas lobbying definitions, registration, & reporting requirements
About the Presenter: Natalie Ossenfort is the Texas Director at Alliance for Justice, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing democracy by ensuring that all Americans have a voice in the government that serves them. At AFJ, Natalie works with the organization’s Bolder Advocacy program to provide nonprofits with the assistance they need to confidently advocate on behalf of their organizational missions. Bolder Advocacy provides training, written legal resources and free technical assistance to nonprofits regarding the rules of advocacy and lobbying at the federal, state and local levels. By strengthening the capacity of nonprofits to pursue policy reform, groups are able to more effectively speak out on behalf of the needs of their communities and constituents.
This training is free for One Voice members to attend. We encourage Executive Directors, Board Members, and senior staff to attend. If you are not a One Voice member and would like to attend, you can email caity@onevoice.trisummitsolutions.com. The cost for non-members to attend is $30.