Spokes | Resources for Nonprofits

Find Us On Social Media:

  • About
    • History of Spokes
    • Annual Report
    • Meet Our Expert Volunteer Faculty
    • Staff & Board of Directors
    • News
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Organizational Membership FAQs
    • Spokes’ Privacy Policy
    • Support Spokes
      • Our Generous Donors
  • Membership
    • Membership Benefits
    • Our List of Members
    • What Members Are Saying
    • Member Success Stories
  • Services
    • SLO County Nonprofits Get it Done
    • Nonprofit Board Service
      • Spokes Board Academy 2026
    • Major Nonprofit Events
    • Starting a Nonprofit
    • Meeting Spaces
    • Special Resources for Uncertain Times
    • General Nonprofit Resources
  • Login
  • Contact Us
  • Volunteer
  • Classes/Workshops
    • Spokes Board Academy 2026
  • Job Board
    • Job Board

Public Charities Can Advocate—What You Need to Know

January 9, 2026 by Jordan Jerkovich

Many nonprofits hesitate to engage in advocacy because the rules can feel unclear or intimidating, but advocacy is not only allowed, it’s often essential to advancing your mission. Check out this recent presentation, Public Charities Can Advocate!, developed by Alliance for Justice’s Bolder Advocacy program, and its accompanying resources.

These materials break down, in plain language, what 501(c)(3) nonprofits can and cannot do when it comes to lobbying, nonpartisan advocacy, voter engagement, and election-season activities.

Public Charities Can Advocate! Presentation

A Guide to Election-Related Activities for 501(c)(3) Organizations

A Guide to the IRS Lobbying Regulations for Advocacy Charities

Article Categories

  • Financial and Legal
  • Fundraising
  • Governance
    • Board Development
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing & Communication
  • For Board Members
  • For Executive Directors
  • For Staff and Volunteers

DISCLAIMER: Spokes offers informed advice and recommendations, not professional counsel. Blog content is current as of the date shown. Individual posts are not necessarily updated, so please confirm the accuracy of the information, especially of older posts.

Popular Topics

"executive committee" board board of directors charity communication compensation consulting donations donors employees financial fundraising Governance grants leadership marketing meetings nonprofit Nonprofit Board nonprofit management nonprofits philanthropy policy productivity Professional Development reserve retirement spokes taxes volunteers

Member Testimonial

“The Spokes ‘Best Practices in Nonprofit Management’ workshop has helped open my eyes to everything that needs to get done – it has helped our organization get to the next level. Being a well-rounded organization seemed possible after attending that workshop.”

Rhys Janson
Executive Director
Son Care Foundation
San Luis Obispo, California

What Else Are Members Saying?

Learn about Spokes membership

Guiding nonprofits to achieve their goals through support and expert resources.

How Can We Make A Difference Together?

Spokes welcomes local professionals who would like to share their expertise in support of the nonprofit sector.

Get Started Contributing

Recent Articles

  • Public Charities Can Advocate—What You Need to Know
  • Financial Clarity in Uncertain Times
  • Can We Pay a Director to Work for Us

Copyright © 2026 Spokes | Resources for Nonprofits. All Rights Reserved.
PO Box 5122, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403
Hosting by NDIC.
Photography by Nicole Boughton.