Nonprofits that engage, or are thinking about engaging, in lobbying and political activities need to know what the tax laws will allow. Charities are limited by 501(c)(3) in the amount of legislative lobbying they may conduct, and absolutely prohibited from participating or intervening in an election for public office, while organizations exempt under other sections of the Internal Revenue Code like social welfare organizations, unions, and trade associations are unlimited in lobbying and may engage in some candidate electoral activity (but may be subject to tax on expenditures for these purposes). Private foundations are prohibited from lobbying entirely, and must ensure any lobbying conducted by their grantees is not attributed to them. As one of a few centers of legal expertise in the United States, Adler & Colvin has built a national reputation for advising charities and other nonprofits about the complex tax laws that regulate lobbying and political activities they conduct. We coordinate our representation with election law attorneys as needed.
After completing this session, participants will be able to answer the following questions:
Co-Presenters:
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET.
Washington, D.C.
Changing policies and legislation at the local, state, and federal levels impact our community in numerous ways. Now more than ever, it is important for community leaders in the nonprofit and faith-based sectors to understand their rights and responsibilities regarding advocacy to benefit children, youth, and families. Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to utilize lessons learned in November 2024.
Participants will learn:
Who should attend?
This training is specifically designed for Executive Directors, Board Members, and faith-based Leaders. It is important that the executive director and a Board Member from each organization attend the training to understand the role each plays in deciding to engage in advocacy efforts.
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. PT
The election is coming! While private foundations are subject to a number of restrictions when it comes to lobbying and political activities, there are still ways in which foundations can be involved and help create change. Additionally, family offices and foundations are starting to explore other vehicles, such as social welfare organizations, to allow for more flexibility when it comes to these activities. Come prepared to learn how to be an influencer of change and what guardrails to consider as your foundation moves forward.
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. PT
Seattle, Washington
10:55 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT
Free for CalNonprofits members; $45 for not-yet-members
Join us for something new! We’re bringing together two of the state’s most experienced nonprofit legal minds to address some critical nonprofit legal basics and answer some of your most pressing nonprofit-related legal questions. Eric Gorovitz and David Levitt, both principals at nationally recognized Adler & Colvin, will discuss such issues as compliance, privacy and data security, fundraising regulations, lobbying, and employment law as it applies to nonprofits.
You can also help guide our discussion by submitting your own questions for Eric and David. What legal quandaries are keeping you up at night? Is it about your board? Are you 501(c)4 curious? Let CalNonprofits know via the registration form, and we’ll do our best to respond to as many questions as possible. CEO Jan Masaoka will be on hand to help us sort through our sector’s most pressing concerns.
Explore the latest in policy and regulation from the US Government in an effort to answer the question: What just happened? You’ll be the first to know about topics like donor-advised fund regulations, end-of-year legislation, and what is Congress likely to do next? What about those expiring incentives for charitable giving, will they be renewed? Meanwhile, the Supreme Court continues to unwind the regulatory powers of the executive branch.
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. CT
Co-Presenter: Alex Reid, Baker & Hostetler LLP
“Ask an Expert” is an opportunity for forum attendees to meet one-on-one with a legal professional to discuss and gain valuable insight on issues pertinent to the management of their organization(s). Ms. Nancy E. McGlamery, Principal at Adler & Colvin, will be available for individual “Ask an Expert” sessions on Thursday, 10/20, and Friday, 10/21 at the National Forum. Register for the “Ask an Expert” meeting (20 mins) – attendance is limited. Please note that Ms. McGlamery can help you understand the laws, but cannot provide legal advice for specific situations.
Phoenix, AZ
Moderator: Deborah Kaminiski, Squar Milner LLP
Co-presenter: Dinah Stephens, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles
Burbank, California
Co-panelists: John Pomeranz and Eric Rodriguez
Co-sponsored by Independent Sector and the Council on Foundations