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Advocacy Tools
Can I Advocate?
Yes, though there are some restrictions. It is important
that you understand these from the start.
What non-profits should know
Non-profit organizations have every right to engage in advocacy. You can (and should) talk to your elected officials about anything related to your work, including the necessity of state funding.
Non-profits can:
Advocate on behalf of their political and
economic interests within limits described below.
Non-profits cannot:
Endorse or oppose candidates for elected office.
What is the limit on non-profit advocacy?
Section 501(c) (3) states that a tax-exempt
organization will lose its tax-exempt status and its qualification
to receive deductible contributions if a substantial part of its
activities are carried on to influence legislation. "Substantial
part" is not defined in the tax code. However, the suggested guideline
is 5 percent of total expenditures in pursuit of non-profit purposes.
The 5 percent limit:
Expenditures are considered to be all of the
activities conducted by a non-profit organization including its
annual budget, staff time, and even volunteer time. There isn't
a cultural organization in Massachusetts that will ever exceed the
5 percent limit. Look at the simple math: if the annual budget is
$3 million, the organization would have to spend $150,000 on advocacy
alone. Few, if any, non-profit organizations would devote so much
to advocacy.
What local cultural councils should know
Local cultural councils have the same rights as non-profits as outlined above.
What private citizens should
know
As a private citizen - separate from your non-profit - you have
all the rights provided by the Constitution to petition, advocate
and communicate with your government. As a private citizen, you
can contribute to campaigns and make public statements separate
from your organization.
We must become stronger advocates to win back state
funding. Every cultural organization must make advocacy part of
its daily mission within the limits outlined above. Speak up on
cultural funding; support the issues that support your organization.
The arts, sciences, and humanities make valuable and essential contributions
to our state and provide a clear return on the investment of public
dollars. But, the people of Massachusetts and its legislators will
never know that unless we tell our stories in effective advocacy.
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