Know the Rules Federal Lobbying Disclosure Rules - Disclosure and gift rules you need to know if you engage in federal lobbying (IS Member Password Required) Tax law limits – How much lobbying can a 501(c)(3) do? What is the 501(h) election? Election Rules – Learn what you can and can’t do during the election cycle. Tools for Effective Lobbying Lobbying 101 – Washington Council, Ernst & Young PowerPoint on the basics of effective lobbying (IS Member Password Required) Ten Reasons to Lobby for Your Cause (PDF) The Nonprofit Lobbying Guide, Second Edition

Nonprofits have a right and a duty to be engaged in public debate on important policy issues.

In general, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations may engage in lobbying and other advocacy activities, including election-related activities, within certain limits. The lobbying and election resources on these pages to learn more about what you can and cannot do as you engage in advocacy.

Lobbying Rules
Learn about the limits on how much lobbying a 501(c)(3) can do, and whether an organization that does federal lobbying needs to register with Congress.

Election Resources
Learn what your organization can do to get involved in elections and how nonprofits are working to help all citizens express their opinions in the 2008 elections.

Challenges to Nonprofit Advocacy
Learn about recent court and legislative challenges to nonprofit advocacy rights.

Advocacy Headlines

• New guidance available on lobbyist contribution reports...6/30/08 (IS member password required)
• IRS Releases Guidance on Political Activity by 501(c)(3) organizations....4/17/08
• Ethics and Lobbying Reforms in Effect ...1/1/08
• FEC Allows Issue Ads with Disclosure...11/26/2007

Last Updated: July 1, 2008