Nonprofit Advocacy and Public Policy Compliance
Nonprofit advocacy creates impact but requires careful compliance management. This annual review ensures the organization's advocacy activities stay within 501(c)(3) boundaries, lobbying is properly tracked and limited, and staff understand the rules.
- Industry: Nonprofit
- Frequency: Annually
- Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
- Role: Executive Director / Policy Director
- Total Items: 26
Lobbying Compliance
Verify lobbying compliance.
- 501(h) expenditure test election made (recommended for most lobbying organizations)?
- All lobbying expenditures (direct and grassroots) tracked throughout year?
- Year-to-date lobbying expenditures within applicable limit?
- Direct lobbying distinguished from grassroots lobbying in financial tracking?
- Staff time spent on lobbying included in lobbying expenditure calculation?
Political Activity Prohibition
Enforce political activity prohibition.
- Absolute prohibition on candidate electoral activity maintained?
- All staff and board trained on the prohibition and its scope?
- Any voter guides or candidate comparison materials reviewed by attorney before publication?
- Staff personal political activity clearly distinguished from organizational activity?
- All organizational communications reviewed for political activity risk during election season?
Permissible Advocacy Activities
Verify permissible advocacy activities.
- Advocacy activities clearly distinguished from lobbying (educational vs. legislative action call-to-action)?
- Public education and awareness activities documented as non-lobbying?
- Coalition membership and shared lobbying costs properly allocated?
- Media advocacy (op-eds, press releases) reviewed for lobbying characterization?
Voter Engagement
Manage voter engagement activities.
- Any voter registration activities conducted in strictly nonpartisan manner?
- Candidate forums including all major party candidates on equal terms?
- Voter education materials presenting balanced information without candidate preference?
- Civic engagement programs (voting encouragement, civic education) clearly nonpartisan?
Government Relations
Manage government relations.
- State lobbyist registration requirements checked and complied with?
- Government ethics gift laws followed for any hospitality provided to officials?
- Advocacy activities not creating conflicts for government grant relationships?
Advocacy Documentation and Reporting
Document advocacy activities.
- Form 990 Schedule C lobbying data prepared accurately?
- Advocacy wins and impact documented for funder reporting?
- Board-adopted advocacy policy guiding organizational positions?
- Annual summary of lobbying activities reported to board?
- Annual review of advocacy compliance with nonprofit attorney?
Related Nonprofit Checklists
- Nonprofit Program Service Quality and Outcomes Audit
- Nonprofit Beneficiary Intake and Services Coordination
- Nonprofit Program Outcomes and Impact Measurement Report
- Nonprofit Emergency Shelter Intake and Services
- Nonprofit Gift Acceptance Policy and Unusual Gift Review
- Nonprofit Online Fundraising Platform and Compliance Audit
- Nonprofit Volunteer Training and Certification Compliance
- Nonprofit Facility ADA Accessibility and Inclusion Compliance
Related Program Delivery Checklists
- Nonprofit Program Service Quality and Outcomes Audit - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Beneficiary Intake and Services Coordination - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Program Outcomes and Impact Measurement Report - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Emergency Shelter Intake and Services - FREE Download
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Why Use This Nonprofit Advocacy and Public Policy Compliance?
This nonprofit advocacy and public policy compliance helps nonprofit teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for executive director / policy director professionals, this checklist covers 26 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Nonprofit Advocacy and Public Policy Compliance cover?
This checklist covers 26 inspection items across 6 sections: Lobbying Compliance, Political Activity Prohibition, Permissible Advocacy Activities, Voter Engagement, Government Relations, Advocacy Documentation and Reporting. It is designed for nonprofit operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed annually. Each completion takes approximately 3-4 hours.
Who should use this Nonprofit Advocacy and Public Policy Compliance?
This checklist is designed for Executive Director / Policy Director professionals in the nonprofit industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.