Advocacy & Civic Engagement

The North Carolina Center for Nonprofits takes positions on state and federal public policy issues that affect most or all 501(c)(3) nonprofits in North Carolina. The Center generally does not take positions on issues that affect only one field – such as arts or early childhood – unless the issue sets a precedent that could affect all nonprofits. The Center also generally does not take positions on local public policy issues unless these would set a precedent that could affect all North Carolina nonprofits.

In this webinar, you'll learn the basics about what 501(c)(3) nonprofits can and can’t do in an election year, ways nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers can (legally) engage in campaigns, and common questions (and possibly some answers!) about tricky election-year situations for nonprofits. You will also find out about new election laws and changes to the election process in North Carolina in 2024 that might affect nonprofits and the people they serve.

The term ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has shown up in the media a lot lately, but too few people understand what it means or how it relates to their organization.

With the 2023 legislative session beginning this month, many nonprofits will be advocating on policy issues affecting their organizations, their missions, and the people they serve. This webinar will provide an overview of federal and state lobbying laws affecting nonprofits. We’ll address common questions nonprofits have about limits on lobbying and state rules on lobbying registration and reporting.

Presenter: David Heinen, Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy, North Carolina Center for Nonprofits

This webinar will begin with a brief overview of trends in North Carolina’s nonprofit sector and current challenges facing nonprofit organizations. It will also include a discussion of the impact of the 2022 election on nonprofits, of state and federal policy solutions that might help nonprofits and the communities they serve, and of potential legislative challenges for nonprofits in 2023 and beyond.

Presenter: David Heinen, Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy, North Carolina Center for Nonprofits

Recording length: 1 hour, 5 minutes