Education, Advocacy, Lobbying, Electioneering and 501(c)3 Nonprofits

There is a common misconception that 501(c)3 nonprofits are prohibited from promoting a political perspective. This is one of the many consequences of the 1980s culture wars, which sought to undermine the artists’ voice and curtail federal funding for freedom of expression. And although it is unfounded and patently untrue, this misconception keeps a lot of organizations in our sector quiet, for fear of losing their nonprofit status. Nonprofit organizations can take a stance on broad political issues –– in fact, many are founded to address these very things.

Here is a short summary of what 501(c)3 nonprofits can do in the realms of education, advocacy and lobbying: