A surprising number of people believe that 501(c (3) organizations cannot lobby. This is not true.

Nonprofits are vehicles for democratic involvement, positive change and social justice, and, if done correctly, are allowed to advocate and lobby.

Without issue-based advocacy and lobbying, nonprofits risk existing only as service providers that achieve some positive outcomes for individuals while perpetuating the systems that have contributed to life-limiting inequities based on race, ethnicity, gender and sexual identity, ability and more.

This toolkit will be a dynamic resource. We will add sections to provide updated information, as well as materials about advocacy and lobbying on the County, State and Federal levels.