This guide provides your 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization the knowledge you need to promote voter participation and engage with candidates on a nonpartisan basis. It begins with a review of the prohibition against partisan political activities. It then discusses the many nonpartisan activities 501(c)(3)’s may engage in to assist their constituents, staff and local communities to register and vote or connect with candidates.
Please note that this guide focuses on the many voter engagement tacitcs available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and how to remain nonpartisan when using them. For practical, how-to guidance on conducting a voter registration drive, hosting a candidate forum, etc., visit our Resource Library.
In 1954 Congress added a sentence to Treasury regulations requiring charities to remain nonpartisan in elections. They did it to protect charities from becoming vehicles for partisan political activity and to deter the risk of Congress eliminating the charitable deduction.
But the power of being nonpartisan is much more than this statute.