Toolkits & Guides
Tools for Making Voting Fun!
A list of online and vetted resources for Getting Out the Vote and making it fun while you're at it!
Link to Resource
A list of online and vetted resources for Getting Out the Vote and making it fun while you're at it!
Link to ResourceA compiled list of reliable, nonpartisan resources to inform voters on candidate issues and stances on their local ballots.
Link to ResourceProvides guidance on how private foundations can conduct nonpartisan election activities with examples and case studies.
Download or View ToolkitNonprofit VOTE joins the Council on Foundations and Independent Sector to publish this toolkit for public and private foundations looking to support nonpartisan voter engagement activities.
Private Foundation ToolkitUse this template to make a voter engagement plan for your nonprofit. Questions and categories to help you plan..
Download/View PDFA 2018 timeline for voter engagement activities for nonprofits and community organizations - by month
Download or View PDFWorking with over 120 nonprofit partners across nine states, we examined the trends of nearly 5,000 young voters (those under 30) and found striking results.
Download the ReportA Nonprofit's Guide to Hosting a Candidate Forum. Timeline and step-by-step guide to hosting a nonpartisan candidate forum for nonprofits.
Download-View PDFDon’t miss an opportunity to get your issues in front of the candidates in 2018.
Download Audio mp3Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are a growing part of the American Electorate with the potential to change the electoral landscape.
Download Audio mp3A checklist for your nonprofit to incorporate voter engagement activities into your activities.
Download PDFThe health benefits of voting - 5 reasons why it's good for you.
Link to ResourceResources designed to encourage nonprofits staff to vote from Nonprofit Votes Count
Go to Staff Vote ToolkitLearn about using a voter file in this gentle introduction.
Download PowerPointA checklist of the most common election activities 501(c)(3) nonprofits can do on a nonpartisan basis.
Download PDFThe hour long webinar discusses national and state turnout rankings for 2016 Presidential election. It highlights election policies impacting turnout.
Download the PowerPointThe report provides official national and state turnout rankings for 2016 Presidential election. Published with the U.S. Elections Project.
Download ReportA survey of nonpartisan voter engagement tactics for nonprofits.
Download the PPTGet behind the exit polls. Find out about key changes in the composition of the electorate, turnout and election and voting trends.
Download PowerPointAn evaluation of the impact of voter engagement by community health centers with clients, staff and constituents in the 2012 presidential election and 2014 midterm.
Link to PDF 2012Reasons for your nonprofit to do voter registration to strengthen your advocacy and promote your mission.
Link to PDFEasy ways for busy nonprofits to get out the vote in the weeks close to the election. With samples and tips to frame the approach.
Link to PDFTen things for a nonprofit to do encourage their community to vote in the weeks before Election Day.
Link to PDFLearn how to register and educate your staff, volunteers and board members.
Download PDFA sample voter registration script to use to train staff and volunteers. With common responses to hesitations by voter and script for asking those already registered to "pledge to vote".
Download Word DocIdeas for encouraging your staff and volunteers to vote in an upcoming election.
Link to ResourceProvides three sample policies for allowing staff to take time off to vote to use for your employee handbook or personnel policy.
Link to ResourceTwo sample emails to send to staff to encourage them to vote. In word format for editing.
Link to ResourceThis discusses what nonprofit vote staff and volunteers can talk about when engaging with clients, constituents and others or responding to questions about candidates - while remaining nonpartisan.
Link to PDFThe toolkit features what Community Foundations, as public charities, can do on a nonpartisan basis to promote voter participation and election activities with examples and case studies.
Download or ViewA comprehensive guide to voter engagement for United Way chapters, authored by Nonprofit VOTE.
Download PDFTips on how to fill out and return completed voter registration forms to elections officials.
Download PDFA voter registration toolkit for nonprofits seeking to register their staff and volunteers to vote.
Link to ToolkitAnswers to common questions about using social media at your nonprofit to promote voting.
Download PDFTips for creating nonpartisan candidate questionnaires and voter guides.
Download PDFLearn about research on the benefits of voting.
Download the PowerPointLearn how to create a voter engagement plan for your nonprofit.
Download Audio MP3When nonprofit staff and volunteers help their community members to register to vote or to sign a pledge to vote, they turn out at higher rates.
Download PowerPointA report on the impact of nonprofit voter outreach within their communities in the 2014 election.
Download ReportJoin the campaign to ensure that every nonprofit staff person, volunteer, and board member is registered to vote!
Download PPTHow to plan and run a voter registration activity aimed at your own staff, volunteers and board members.
Download PDFAnswers to common questions when doing voter registration.
Download PDFMessaging on why registering to vote and voting are so important - for you, for your nonprofit and for your community.
Download PDF ENThese tips will help you be more effective when doing voter registration.
Download PDFThese tips will help you be more effective when tabling for voter registration.
Download PDF ENPart the Nonprofit Votes Count campaign. This letter encourages staff and volunteers to register and vote.
Download Word DocGet out the vote poster intended for health care providers.
Download PDFGet out the vote poster intended for health care providers.
Download PDFThis fact sheet discusses civic engagement activities are allowable under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) related to safeguarding privacy for patients.
Download PDFThe official national and state turnout for biennial elections and source of state turnout rankings. It highlights election policies impacting turnout. With the U.S. Elections Project.
Download 2012 ReportNonprofit VOTE's monthly webinar series is a set of trainings and discussions on nonpartisan voter engagement for nonprofits, featuring experts in the field. Nonprofit staff, volunteers and other interested stakeholders are invited to attend free of charge.
Visit the Webinar Series PageThis video walks examines how to ask a potential voter to register, as well as registration form fulfillment. It features two scenarios: registering a new voter and updating an address.
Watch the video in EnglishNonprofit VOTE's monthly newsletter, the Nonprofit Voter, offers updates on election news and resources for nonprofits.
Read Past NewslettersProf. Jonathan Nagler discusses the composition, views and voting behavior or the American electorate and how it matters.
Download the Audio MP3Nonprofit VOTE's response to the IRS's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, proposing guidance for tax-exempt social welfare organizations, 501(c)(4)s, on candidate-related political activities. Submitted to the IRS on February 20th, 2014.
Download PDFAccess current state-specific voting information including eligibility, how to register and check your registration status, upcoming deadlines, and more.
Link to ResourceA countdown to your candidate forum beginning four months out with a checklist of items for each month and the days and weeks leading up to the event.
Download PDFThis article, published in the Nonprofit Quarterly, outlines the essential components of nonprofit voter engagement, the agency-based model, challenges and opportunities, and new research.
Download PDFLearn about the benefits of voting.
Download "Benefits for Voters"Because of privacy concerns, many domestic violence survivors are reluctant to register to vote. However, many states administer protective confidentiality programs. Learn more about what is available in your state.
Link to ResourceAccess state-specific information and resources for voters with disabilities.
Link to ResourcePeople currently experiencing homelessness often face obstacles when registering to vote. Learn about these challenges and resources that are available.
Link to ResourceIn all but two states, voting age citizens convicted of a felony are barred from voting for at least some period of time. Learn about the laws in your state so you can provide accurate information to voters in your community.
Link to ResourceLearn a number of ways nonprofits can engage candidates on a nonpartisan basis during an election.
Download PDF ENAlthough 501(c)(3) voter engagement work must remain nonpartisan, staff are free to engage in partisan political activities on their own time.
Download Audio MP3Find out what nonprofit employees can do to promote voting and do voter education on and off the clock.
Download PDFLearn about laws and policies states have enacted to update their voter registration systems--including innovations online registration, Election Day Registration, and portable registration.
Download Audio MP3Follow these simple and effective principles to effectively get-out-the-vote at your nonprofit.
Download PDF ENPromote voter registration at your nonprofit by printing and hanging this poster in a prominent location.
Download PDFThis webinar discusses conducting effective, nonpartisan voter registration at your nonprofit, emphasizing on-site registration strategies.
Download Audio MP3Learn how your nonprofit can provide your constituents with the information, tools, and resources they need to successfully cast a ballot.
Download Audio MP3Learn how your nonprofit can help ensure that your clients, constituents, and community members have the information and resources they need to successfully cast a ballot.
Download Audio MP3Find out how take a stand for or against a ballot measure, or provide neutral information about what is on the ballot.
Download PDFNational Voter Registration Day is annual event that mobilizes organizations across the country to register their communities to vote.
Link to ResourceLearn about the role the National Voter Registration Act plays in requiring public assistance agencies to offer voter registration to clients.
Download PDFIn this webinar Bolder Advocacy’s Abby Levine walks you through the in’s and out’s of ballot measure advocacy.
Download Audio MP3Review the voter engagement rules for certain recipients of federal funds.
Download PDFUnderstand the three situations in which candidates may appear at your nonprofit and how to ensure that it remains nonpartisan.
Download PDF2012 study of demographic voter turnout data and successful Nonprofit VOTE strategies.
Download ReportThis webinar covers the basics of nonpartisan voter engagement work for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and tips on remaining nonpartisan.
Download Audio MP3The official national and state turnout for biennial elections and turnout rankings. With the U.S. Elections Project.
Download 2006 ReportThis one-page checklist covers the basics for successful voter registration work - from making a plan to learning about the rules in your state.
Download PDFThe Starter Kit is an introduction to nonpartisan voter registration, voter education, and get-out-the-vote work that emphasizes how to integrate voter engagement into your organization's ongoing activities and services.
Download PDFThis introduction to 501(c)(3) nonprofit voter engagement work describes appropriate, legal activities and details easy ways to engage all members of your community.
Nonprofits, Voting and Elections OnlineTo-do lists, dos and don'ts, and a planning timeline, as well as tips on how to attract candidates, select a format, publicize the event, and ensure your forum stays nonpartisan.
Download PDF in SpanishGet out the Vote poster for military voters from the Federal Voting Assistance Commission - FVAP
Download posterHow and why foundations support for nonpartisan election activities is legal, effective, and doable.
Download or View PDFCalled "You Don't Need a Home to Vote", it provides ten pages of ideas to register voters who are currently without homes. It has a GOTV section and state specific rules. By the National Coalition for the Homeless.
Link to ResourceA detailed plan for a housing groups to do voter registration and get out the vote with residents and constituents by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC).
Link to ResourceHow 501(c)(3)s can respond to candidate's position on issues during an election year.
Link to PDFA sample Voter Pledge Card from the Disability Vote program of AAPD.
Link to ResourceAn online toolkit with resources and ideas from the American Association of People with Disabilities to promote voter registration and get out the vote activities.
Link to ResourceA fact sheet from the Federal Voting Assistance Program on how members of the military and U.S. citizens living outside the country can use a federal post card to register and apply for and receive their mail ballot.
Link to ResourceA fact sheet from the Federal Voting Assistance Program on voting for service members and U.S. citizens living outside the U.S.
Link to ResourceRegister to vote, request an absentee ballot or check the status of your ballot. Select your home state. A service of the Federal Voting Assistance Program.
Link to FVAP State MapBolder Advocacy's ballot measure toolkit is a set of links to factsheets and other resources on 501(c)(3) ballot measure advocacy.
Link to resourceAn explanation of the benefits of taking the 501(h) election to clarify and expand your lobby limit from the National Council of Nonprofits.
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