Pitfalls for Nonprofits Abundant During Election Year

The NonProfitTimes provides some excellent advice for nonprofits in this election year. The publication quotes Angelia Dickens and Catherine Oetgen of the law firm of Perlman & Perlman LLP with a reminder that elections can prove to be pitfalls if you are not careful. Here are their recommendations:

• Endorsements. Individuals employed by or associated with 501(c)(3) organizations are free to endorse, support or oppose candidates, but such activities should not be attributed to the organization or its tax-exempt status could be jeopardized. This usually means the individuals will not be able to make partisan comments in organization publications or at organization events, use the organization's resources or facilities or take stands without clearly and unambiguously indicating that their statements are theirs and not the organization's.
• Candidate appearances. Organizations can invite candidates to speak at events, but they should ensure that there is no indication of support or opposition for the candidate as a result of the appearance.
• Voter registration. A 501(c)(3) can organize get-out-the-vote drives as long as the activity is designed to educate the public about the importance of voting.
• Issue advocacy. Organizations are entitled to broadcast genuine issue advocacy communications that address public issues within 30 days of a primary election or 60 days of a general election for federal office.

More about how not to jeopardize your nonprofit status:

• How Not to Lose Your Tax-Exempt Status

Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images