More Comments on Ways & Means RFI Re: Political Activity and Foreign Source Funding

The Council on Foundations, Independent Sector and the United Philanthropy Forum have submitted a joint response to the Ways & Means Request for Information on (c)(3) and (4) political activity and foreign source funding.  Here is a snippet from the letter:  

Our organizations strongly support the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits section 501(c)(3) organizations from engaging in political campaign activity, including endorsing specific candidates or political parties. It is inappropriate-and illegal-for section 501(c)(3) organizations to engage in electioneering or support candidates in political campaigns.

The Johnson Amendment protects section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are appropriately engaging in and advocating for public policy that advances the greater good. Nonprofits can and should inform policies aligned with their missions, as they have developed deep expertise, often through decades of on-the-ground experience in the communities they serve in the U.S. and around the world. We continue to support the ability of nonprofits to engage with policymakers on issues impacting them and their communities.

In addition, our members have long supported nonpartisan efforts to expand civic engagement. This commitment to our democracy ensures nonprofits have the resources they need to improve voter education, promote voter engagement, and increase voter participation in all communities, including underserved ones. Far from being a political activity, this work strengthens our democracy, ensuring all Americans-regardless of their political affiliation-have the knowledge and resources they need to exercise their right to vote.

Clarifications and updates to existing regulations around the issues of political activity could be helpful, particularly as channels of communication and political influence continue to evolve. Our organizations are committed to working with the Committee, the Department of the Treasury, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help create a policy environment in which philanthropy and nonprofit organizations can thrive. We encourage continued dialogue between the Committee and nonprofit organizations, and we welcome all opportunities to work with the Committee to ensure changes to existing guidelines are informed by the nonprofit organizations we represent.

darryll k. jones