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“Lobbying” Is Not a Four Letter Word: Do You Know It When You See It

“Lobbying” Is Not a Four Letter Word: Do You Know It When You See It

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“Lobbying” Is Not a Four Letter Word: Do You Know It When You See It
About the Program

Did you know that publicly-supported 501(c)(3) organizations have the right to lobby at every level of government? Can you rattle off an accurate definition of “lobbying” for your (c)(3) clients? And can you explain the difference between lobbying and partisan political activity?

The hard core truth is that (c)(3) public charities can lobby. But “lobbying” is so misunderstood that even some seasoned attorneys, grantmakers, and nonprofit leaders treat it like an obscenity. This program will help you:

Understand basic IRS lobbying definitions and limits for 501(c)(3) public charities;
Dispel common myths about nonprofit advocacy that may impact your legal guidance; and
Support your (c)(3) clients in (lawfully) sharing their hard-earned expertise with policymakers.

 

Speaker(s)
Sara Matlin _3_
Sara Matlin

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Attorney and Consultant Matlin Legal

Sara Matlin, Principal of Matlin Legal, supports nonprofits and grantmakers in navigating lobbying, election-related, and advocacy funding laws. With 35+ years in the nonprofit sector, Sara helps clients translate IRS and California FPPC rules into advocacy, funding, and compliance strategies that match their organization’s values, risk tolerance, and capacity. She graduated with a B.A. from Stanford University and a J.D. from Golden Gate University. Before launching Matlin Legal, Sara served as Senior Bilingual Counsel with Bolder Advocacy at Alliance for Justice, a legal aid attorney for tenants and domestic violence survivors, a Spanish/English interpreter, and a community organizer in Central America and Alameda County. She leads the ACLU – North Peninsula Chapter’s Rapid Response Team and co-founded the San Mateo County Coalition for Immigrant Rights. In 2023, the ACLU of Northern California honored Sara with the Lola Hanzel Courageous Advocacy Award for her demonstrated commitment to preserving and defending the Bill of Rights.

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Accreditation
Credit Hours:
1.00
Specialty Area:
None
Credit Type:
General
Original Air Date:
February 25, 2025
Accredited in:
California

You may be able to self apply for credits in states not listed. Email for accreditation information in your state.

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