501(c)(3) non-profit organizations may not endorse or oppose candidates; however, nonprofits may engage in nonpartisan outreach efforts that encourage constituents to participate in the election process. Nonpartisan simply means no partiality to any one candidate or political group.

Nonprofit VOTE, an organization dedicated to providing resources to nonprofits on election activity, identifies the following activities as permissible for 501(c)(3) organizations to participate in:

  • Conduct or Promote Voter Registration
  • Host or Co-Sponsor a Candidate Forum
  • Distribute Nonpartisan Sample Ballots, Candidate Questionnaires, or Voter Guides
  • Continue Issue Advocacy During an Election
  • Educate Voters on the Voting Process
  • Encourage Staff to Serve as Poll Workers or Translators
  • Educate the Candidates on Your Issues
  • Support or Oppose a Ballot Measure
  • Organize Get-Out-the-Vote Activities
  • Encourage and Remind People to Vote

Learn more by downloading Nonprofit VOTE’s 501(c)(3) Permissible Activities Checklist

VOTER ENGAGEMENT RESOURCES

VOTER EDUCATION RESOURCES

VOTER REGISTRATION RESOURCES

IRS GUIDANCE