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.
President Barack Obama's March 20 memo restricts communications between federally registered lobbyists and executive branch employees on use of Recovery Act funds. We have a chart of the agencies reporting contacts with lobbyists and the number of communication reports disclosed. Read more >> Updated April 20, 2010
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.