MissionWired’s Post

Lobbying and political activity are easily confused but it is critical for public charities to know the difference. Learn more about the different types of political activity and what you need to know to avoid missteps.

Navigating election years can be tough for nonprofit fundraisers, with increased polarization and competition for donor attention. By strategically timing fundraising campaigns and clearly communicating our missions, nonprofits can still thrive amidst the challenges of election season. How are you preparing your nonprofit for the election season? #NonprofitLeadership #Fundraising #ElectionYear https://lnkd.in/euiATWx3

Lobbying and political activity are easily confused but it is critical for public charities to know the difference. Learn more about the different types of political activity and what you need to know to avoid missteps.

Fundraising is the oil that keeps the campaign-machine on schedule. Without it, you're likely to face an uphill battle. Check out our Top 10 BEST Political Fundraising Tools to help you CRUSH your campaign's fundraising goals.

Good top tips to share here

We've summarised key issues and questions for charities to consider, based on insights from our casework into campaigning and political activity during previous #election periods. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eHGVexpg

📢 New Charity Commission for England and Wales election information. Much of the content is very helpful, but I do have a few concerns: 1. Is this guidance or just 'lessons learned'? The actual document calls it 'Guidance'. The document does not directly link to the longstanding ‘Charities, Elections and Referendums’ guidance ('the Existing Charity Commission Election Guidance') and instead alludes to something that it calls ‘supplementary guidance on additional issues to consider in an election period.’ I am not clear what this is but assume it is the former. 2. I worry that instead of consulting on revising the Existing Charity Commission Election Guidance, the Commission has built on top and this election document is very late in the day. We have known that we have been in a regulated period for the long campaign since January (it now goes back to the previous July) so why not revise (after consultation) the Existing Charity Commission Election Guidance back in January? 3. This guidance refers to charities promoting ‘respect, tolerance and consideration for others’ that is not always appropriate or required by law, provided a charity maintains its independence. And nowhere does this appear in the Existing Charity Commission Election Guidance! 4. The Existing Charity Commission Election Guidance states that 'it is open to a charity to refuse to hire facilities to a candidate, party or other group if the trustees have good reason to believe that to hire the facilities would alienate the charity’s beneficiaries, users or supporters...' This is a helpful example not referred to in the section on premises. 5. The Commission states that if a political party or candidate uses a charity's research or other material 'even when this isn’t generated or approved by the charity itself, there is a risk that this will result in perceived support for that particular candidate or party.’ It states that the charity should consider 'issuing a statement confirming that your material was used without your knowledge and consent'. All through the General Election, political parties and candidates will quote the research of charities: for example on: 🔷the number of foodbanks 🔷 the state of the economy and tax changes 🔷 green and energy policies 🔷 the NHS and health 🔹 statistics on sewage in rivers 6. It all depends on context and of course a charity should not be exploited by a political party, but if a political party quotes a charity's research to justify its policy (as is already happening) it may actually be political for a charity to intervene by prejudicing that party or indirectly promoting another. Finally, the guidance states that Trustees should be making decisions on election activity during this period. There is still time for Trustees to approve activity (often virtually or by email depending on the constitution) and also delegate for urgent decisions as per Commission guidance. #charities #election #campaigning

Fundraising for your campaign doesn’t have to be difficult. This is a great read on some simple steps you can take to help your fundraising efforts. Here at Battlefield, we can help you build relationships and raise money. https://lnkd.in/emaAP5nU

Nonprofits serve a critical, non-partisan role in supporting our democratic process and civil society. Sign up to learn how your organization can ensure every eligible voter knows how to register and how to make their voice heard through voting. #nonprofit #democracy #civilsociety #voterengagement

Campaigning and political activity: general election lessons learned Key issues and questions for charities to consider based on insights from our casework into campaigning and political activity during previous election periods. Charities should be aware that in the run up to an election they will face increased scrutiny from the media and the public and the risk of charities influencing, or being seen to influence, voter behaviour is increased. This excellent overview by the Charity Commission will keep charities on the straight and narrow with regards to the upcoming general election and campaign. #charities #campaigning #elections #politicalactivity #guidance https://lnkd.in/eMYChs_K