Nonprofits are often the unsung heroes of our communities. They feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, advocate for the voiceless, and fill the gaps where government services fall short. Despite this essential work, many nonprofits shy away from lobbying—a tool that could significantly amplify their impact. Misconceptions about what lobbying entails, fear of violating nonprofit regulations, and a culture of “staying in the lane” of service delivery often hold organizations back. But at a time when public policies increasingly shape the environments in which nonprofits operate, lobbying is no longer optional—it is a necessity.
Why Nonprofits Avoid Lobbying
For many nonprofits, the decision to avoid lobbying stems from fear and misunderstanding. The perception persists that lobbying could jeopardize a nonprofit’s tax-exempt status. While 501(c)(3) organizations are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activity, the IRS permits nonprofits to engage in limited lobbying, provided it does not constitute a “substantial part” of their activities.
Yet, this allowance is often overshadowed by a cautious culture that prioritizes neutrality. Many organizations believe their role is to provide services, not engage in advocacy. Others worry about alienating donors or board members by taking a stand on divisive issues. And some simply lack the capacity or expertise to navigate the complexities of government relations.
Why Nonprofits Should Lobby
Nonprofits exist to solve problems, and many of those problems are rooted in systemic issues that only public policy can address. Lobbying is not just about securing favorable legislation; it’s about creating a more just and equitable society. When nonprofits lobby, they bring the voices of the communities they serve directly to policymakers, ensuring that laws and budgets reflect real needs.
Consider the impact of policies on funding streams, regulations, and program delivery. A nonprofit addressing food insecurity might feed hundreds of families through direct services, but by lobbying for expanded food assistance programs or reduced barriers to SNAP benefits, they can affect millions. Advocacy transforms nonprofits from reactive responders to proactive changemakers.
Why Now Is the Time
The urgency to lobby has never been greater. Governments at all levels are grappling with economic challenges, climate change, healthcare inequities, and social justice issues—many of which disproportionately affect the populations nonprofits serve. Policies enacted today will shape the nonprofit landscape for years to come.
Moreover, a growing anti-democratic sentiment threatens to silence marginalized voices. Nonprofits have a unique responsibility to counteract this trend by ensuring their communities are represented in policy discussions. Lobbying is one way to push back against policies that exacerbate inequality or undermine the public good.
Federal and state budget decisions are particularly critical. Nonprofits reliant on government grants or contracts must advocate for adequate funding. Silence in these discussions risks cuts that could devastate entire sectors.
How Nonprofits Can Start Lobbying
For nonprofits unaccustomed to lobbying, the first step is understanding the rules. The IRS provides clear guidelines, and resources like the “H-election” option allow nonprofits to elect to measure lobbying expenditures under a more straightforward framework.
Building coalitions is another effective strategy. Joining forces with other organizations amplifies collective impact and distributes the workload. Local, state, and national nonprofit associations often offer training, resources, and opportunities for collaboration.
Finally, nonprofits must integrate advocacy into their missions. This requires buy-in from boards, staff, and stakeholders who understand that lobbying is not a distraction from service delivery but an extension of it.
A Call to Action
Lobbying is not just a right—it’s a responsibility. Nonprofits are uniquely positioned to advocate for policies that promote justice, equity, and sustainability. By embracing lobbying, nonprofits can ensure that their missions extend beyond services to tackle the systemic causes of the issues they address.
In North Texas in 2023, the nonprofit lobbying expenses for over 26,000 nonprofits only amounted to $1.3 million of the approximate $27.32 billion. To change this, the North Texas Nonprofit Institute hosted a Nonprofit Advocacy & Lobbying Webinar Series in early 2024. As a result of the resent elections, the institute has made these resources freely available until the end of the year.
The stakes are too high to remain silent. It is time for nonprofits to step into their power and use every tool available—including lobbying—to create the change our communities so desperately need.
