Alliance for Justice Action Campaign is pleased to share four new resources for advocates and activists. Our materials explain the legal framework that 501(c)(4) organizations must operate within, as well as practical tips for organizational staff, board members, and funders. These tools provide the building blocks for our ongoing training and assistance to the community. See the new resources below, or click here to see all of our resources.

Why (c)(3)s and (c)(4)s Need to Work Collaboratively

Election years, when elected officials tend to be most responsive and engaged, are a very effective time for nonprofits to bolster their advocacy efforts. Often, 501(c)(3)s and 501(c)(4)s—affiliated or otherwise—work together to coordinate their advocacy activities to further their respective goals. While 501(c)(3)s may work together with 501(c)(4)s, they must structure their activities to ensure they do not jeopardize their tax exempt status.

Nonprofits Working Together: Case Studies

Creating policy change is one of the most important roles nonprofits play. Public policy work is key for bringing about systemic, enduring change that can influence large segments of the population long into the future. Advocacy works best when various types of organizations—501(c)(3) public charities, 501(c)(3) private foundations, 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations, and 501(c)(5) labor unions—work together.

Case Study: New York’s Women’s Equality Act

In New York, the Women’s Equality Coalition (“WEC”) worked, from 2013 to 2015, to support passage of a legislative package, the Women’s Equality Act (WEA). The WEA was a 10-point bill
designed to address barriers to women’s equality and to promote equity.

Case Study: California Sanctuary State Law

ICE Out of California is a statewide alliance that was created when state-based organizations decided to fight back against abuses by federal immigration authorities.