About MNA Public Policy News Events Public Policy Resources Projects and Campaigns

Election-Year Advocacy Tips

Voter and Candidate Education

Charities and other nonprofits may engage in voter and candidate educational activities during an election year as long as they perform these activities in a scrupulously non-partisan manner. Once a charity or other nonprofit understands the do's and don'ts during an election season - there are several great strategies available to raise voter and candidate awareness of your cause including candidate forums and debates, candidate questionnaires, voter registration and some advertising of your issues to the voting public.

START HERE:

• IRS Fact Sheet on Election Year Activities

KEY REFERENCE DOCUMENTS:

• Voter Education by Nonprofits During Political Campaigns
• Ballot Measures and Charities
• Foundations and Ballot Measures

NCNA Election-Year Activities Tool Kit

This tool kit describes the types of election-related activities in which nonprofit charities can engage. In addition to describing the dos and don'ts, it provides samples and other materials to help charities engage in permissible activities during this election cycle. http://www.ncna.org/_uploads/documents/live/Election_tool_kit2.pdf

Michigan Participation Project

The Michigan Participation Project (MPP) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit initiative dedicated to expanding the role of Michigan’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in voting and elections. We provide training, materials and other resources designed to help nonprofits integrate voter registration, voter education, and voter mobilization work into their ongoing activities. Visit us online at www.michparticipationproject.org.