legislative update A non-legislative resolution has been reached between legislators and philanthropic leaders, and as a result California Diversity Legislation AB 624 will no longer move forward or have further consideration by the California legislature.
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SPECIAL REPORT FOR 2008
Funding in an Election Year

Funders and their grantee organizations can play significant roles in elections. Although federal law and IRS regulations restrict their actions, a number of activities are permissible . These include non-partisan voter registration and mobilization efforts, hosting candidate debates, and public education around ballot initiatves. During this election year, the NCG Public Policy Committee will keep members up to date on permissible activities, as well as election-related funding and opportunities in the region.

Below are links to useful information regarding foundation and nonprofit activities in regards to elections.

• California Secretary of State:
  Elections and Voter Information
• Alliance for Justice:
  Election Year Activities for 501(c)(4) Social Welfare Organizations [MS WORD DOC]
  The Nonprofit and Foundation Advocacy Blog
• Nonprofits, Voting and Elections: A Guide for 501c3 Organizations [PDF]
  how to do non-partisan voter participation and promote democracy
• Nonprofit Groups Should Help Get Out the Vote [PDF]
  By Mark Rosenman, Chronicle of Philanthropy
• Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement
• The Center for Civic Participation
• USA Votenet
• National Voice
• California Voter Foundation
• Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest: Voter Education by Nonprofits during a Political Campaign
• Center for Community Change: The Community Voting Project

Resources

• Definition of voter engagement
• Funding Voter Education, Voter Registration, and Get-Out-The-Vote Efforts (GOTV) of Public Charities
• Activities Related to State Ballot Initiatives
• CASE STUDY:
  Proposition 54, East Bay Community Foundation
• CASE STUDY:
  Proposition 54, The San Francisco Foundation
• CASE STUDY:
  California Wellness Foundation helps educate voters on Prop.188