Protecting Nonprofit Rights

 

OMB Watch strives to encourage and expand the rights of nonprofit organizations to engage in public policy advocacy and nonpartisan voter engagement efforts. Today more than ever, advocacy has to be seen as a civic responsibility, since nonprofits are often the vehicles of social change. The essential First Amendment rights of free speech are the cornerstone of our commitment to 501(c)(3) organizations.

Resource Center: IRS Rules on Election Activities of Charities

 

IRS enforcement of the ban on partisan activities by charities and religious organizations leaves many groups uncertain about what is prohibited partisan intervention. Our resource center follows developments in the Political Activities Compliance Initiative (PACI) in working towards clear rules for nonpartisan voter engagement.

 

Articles & Analysis

Super (Loud) PACs and Soft-spoken Issue Advocates

Outside groups are spending nearly 1,300 percent more on broadcast advertising for the 2012 election than they did in 2008, according to an analysis released on Jan. 30. This is the clearest demonstration yet that Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission has fundamentally rewritten the rules for political spending.

Read More >>

New Report: U.S. Muslim Charities and the War on Terror

In December 2011, CSN published a new report, U.S. Muslim Charities and the War on Terror: A Decade in Review. It summarizes the shutdown of Muslim charities and subsequent lawsuits filed against the government. It also looks at cases of intrusive government actions, such as surveillance of Muslim communities and Islamophobic congressional hearings. Finally, the report gives an overview of how the civil society sector has responded to government scrutiny through interfaith dialogues, education initiatives and partnerships with law enforcement agencies.

For more information, visit www.charityandsecurity.org!

Read More >>

Pulpit Freedom Sunday Clarifies the Need for Clarity

Hundreds of pastors took to their pulpits on Sunday, Oct. 2, to engage in an annual civil disobedience ritual known as Pulpit Freedom Sunday. Initiated by the Alliance Defense Fund and supported by Glenn Beck, Pulpit Freedom Sunday aims to challenge the current prohibition on partisan electioneering by churches and other 501(c)(3) organizations.

Read More >>