Nonprofits, Elections and the Supreme Court's Recent Decision

The U.S. Supreme Court recently issued a decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (decided January 21, 2010), that has confused some writers who are not as familiar with the important legal distinctions between different types of “nonprofits” that exist or with the differences between federal election laws that the Court changed and tax laws that the Court did not change.

To make sure nonprofits in the Greater Washington region are aware of their full legal rights – and limitations – when it comes to participating in elections, the Center for Nonprofit Advancement is sharing for your review a brief analysis that the National Council of Nonprofits prepared to help 501(c)(3) nonprofits avoid taking actions that could jeopardize their tax-exempt status.

The Center and the National Council of Nonprofits share the concern that nonprofit leaders need to know not only what 501(c)(3) nonprofits cannot do, but also what we can do. That is why the brief analysis answers these questions:

• How Does the Recent Supreme Court Case Impact Nonprofits?
• What Can 501(c)(3) Charitable Nonprofits Do in Connection with Political Campaigns?
• What Else Can Charitable Nonprofits Do?

For those who want to know more in general, the brief analysis provides several good references.

For those who want to know even more about the effect of the Supreme Court’s decision on 501(c)(3) nonprofits, the Alliance for Justice also has published a solid overview.

Think Twice Before You Slice

An Unprecedented Regional Campaign by Area Nonprofits

The Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington and the Center for Nonprofit Advancement announced today a joint advocacy campaign for the 2011 fiscal year budget cycles in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland. The campaign, “Think Twice Before You Slice,” is designed to advocate for and educate local elected officials during this critical budget cycle about the incredible assets and services nonprofits bring to their communities. It will also empower the region’s nonprofits and the people they serve to lend their voice to the efforts.

“It’s clear that the next six months are going to be crucial for everyone,” Center CEO Glen O’Gilvie said. “By partnering with the Nonprofit Roundtable we are able to amplify the collective voices of our members and all nonprofits in the region. Nonprofits are a crucial piece of fabric in our communities and our public servants need to understand their impact.”

“This budget cycle is going to be tough for all communities, and nonprofits are not going to go unscathed. The question is to what degree. By joining forces with the Center and its members, our goal is to have an impact on the severity of the cuts,” said Chuck Bean, executive director of the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington.

Along with the campaign, the Nonprofit Roundtable and the Center announce the hiring of Jeanne Ellinport, a long-time local nonprofit advocate to lead the efforts. Most recently Jeanne served as the communications director for the American Red Cross’s Katrina Hurricane Recovery Program.

“Our elected officials need to understand that the services nonprofits provide a community enhance and complete a community,” said Ellinport. “People move to an area specifically wanting the services nonprofits provide—arts, job training, after-school programs—things that will enhance their quality of life.”

The campaign’s website www.thinktwiceb4youslice.org will include information on the budget process for each jurisdiction and avenues for nonprofits throughout the region to get involved.

Together the two organizations represent more than 1,000 organizations across the metropolitan region.

For additional information or to get involved, please contact Jeanne Ellinport.

Build Your Nonprofit Advocacy Capacity

Looking for resources to build your nonprofit advocacy capacity? Visit NPAction for rules on lobbying, voter engagement, media relations, the 2010 Census “Tool Kit” and more.