Nonprofits, Be Heard in 2012!

Nonprofits have a right and a duty to be part of the electoral process. Americans across the country will be voting not only for President, but also for 33 U.S. Senators and 435 Members of the House of Representatives, 11 Governors, plus 328 state senators and 1,263 state representatives, not to mention countless local and other statewide races. Those elected will decide significant policies that can either help or harm the communities nonprofits serve, such as the charitable giving incentive, nonprofit advocacy rights, and payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs).

What can you do?

• Learn the many nonpartisan roles nonprofits can play in the democratic process, understand the restrictions on keeping activities nonpartisan, and then engage.
• Educate the candidates – A great example is the Primary Project, coordinated by the New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits. Nonprofit staff and volunteers across the state are letting candidates know about the value of nonprofits and asking how the candidates would work with nonprofits if they were elected President.
• Help those you serve register to vote – Voter education and registration resources are available from our partner, Nonprofit Vote.