How can non-profit agencies engage in advocacy?
501(c)(3) public charities can and do work through grassroots efforts and through direct contact with elected officials to pass or improve laws. That advocacy is legitimate, encouraged, and protected under the law. And it’s important.
The nonprofit organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has successfully lobbied to help pass thousands of drunk driving and under-age drinking laws throughout the country. Animal welfare organizations are no different. Many of them work to provide good laws at the local, state, and federal level as part of advocacy.
If you’re associated with a nonprofit organization and want to learn more, take the time to get the facts on lobbying. We need your help to reach the public and legislators.
Here are a few sources of information to help you learn about lobbying as a nonprofit organization:
Alliance for Justice
IRS (Lobbying Information)
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
National Council of Nonprofits
Helpful guide you can download on lobbying for nonprofits:
Worry-Free Lobbying for Nonprofits
Thank you Washington Alliance for Humane Legislation for sharing this information!