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Information About Lobbying

Nonprofits have the ability to create social change through lobbying and advocacy. However, there is often confusion about the rules and regulations regarding lobbying that prompt people to shy away from public policy activities. The following is information regarding the rules and regulations, and information about why and how your group should lobby.

For information about lobbying in Michigan:

Nonprofit Advocacy: Michigan Primer - This handbook, answers the most frequently asked questions related to lobbying by nonprofits. What is lobbying? What are the reporting procedures for lobbying in Michigan and the IRS? Can you use funding from a foundation to work on public policy? Regardless if you know the answers to the above questions, you and your organization need to read this book.

Forms on registering as a lobbyist and/or lobbyist agent in Michigan

For information about lobbying in the US, provided by the national organization Charity Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI):

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Nonprofit Lobbying http://www.clpi.org/faq.aspx

Voter and Candidate Education

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.

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.