117: Free Therapy for Wallabies | Political Activity for c3 Nonprofits & the Heritage Foundation

Ever wondered what nonprofits can and can't do when it comes to politics? On today's episode of Charity Therapy, Meghan and I are diving into the tricky world of political activities for 501c3 nonprofits. We'll chat about the dos and don'ts of voter engagement, why 501c3s can't endorse candidates, and how 501c4s have more wiggle room in the political arena. Plus, we touch on the buzz around the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025. Spoiler: it's more complicated than you think! We also tackle some common misconceptions about how the IRS handles complaints about nonprofits. It's not as simple as just filling out a form and sending it off. We'll talk about the reality of IRS oversight, the importance of detailed documentation, and why state attorney generals might be your best bet if you suspect a nonprofit is up to no good. If you've ever wondered how to properly report nonprofit misconduct, this episode is a must-listen. By the end of our chat, you'll have a clearer understanding of the rules nonprofits need to follow, and you might even find some humor in the chaos of IRS paperwork (yes, really!). Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's navigate these nonprofit political regulations together. In this episode, you will hear: The political dos and don'ts of 501c3 nonprofits 501c4s have way more freedom in politics than 501c3s Can you really shut down Project 2025 by filing a complaint with the IRS? Why filling out Form 13909 isn't a magic wand The IRS is like a turtle while, state attorney generals are more like watchdogs How a TikTok-driven complaint tsunami can further slow down the IRS File real evidence against a nonprofit with both the IRS and the state attorney general Resources from this Episode IRS Form 13909: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f13909.pdf Sign up for the Birken Law Email list: birkenlaw.com/signup Facebook page: www.facebook.com/birkenlaw Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.