Alliance for Justice Releases New Edition of The Rules of the Game

A Comprehensive Guide to Laws Governing Election-Related Activities for Nonprofits

August 24, 2010, Washington, DC—With the 2010 election less than three months away, Alliance for Justice (AFJ) has released a new edition of The Rules of the Game, its highly regarded guide to election-related activities for 501(c)(3) organizations.

The 74-page user-friendly guide reviews federal tax and election laws which govern nonprofit organizations in an election year, and explains the right (and wrong) ways to organize specific voter education activities. The publication, one of many AFJ resources devoted to the legal framework of nonprofit advocacy, is considered indispensable to 501(c)(3) organizations concerned with what they can and cannot do under tax and election law during electoral campaigns.

In this election year, with many nonprofits seeking ways to become involved in the political process, The Rules of the Game answers questions such as:

• Are nonprofit organizations completely prohibited from any involvement in candidate campaigns? 
• Is there a minimal amount of electoral activity that 501(c)(3) organizations can do without risking their tax-exempt status? 
• How can 501(c)(3) organizations educate voters about candidates and issues? 
• Does federal election law apply to 501(c)(3) organizations?
   

The Rules of the Game can be ordered on the Alliance for Justice Website, http://www.afj.org/for-nonprofits-foundations/resources-and-publications/pay-for-publications/the-rules-of-the-game.html, and costs $25 per copy. Bulk rates are available.

This second edition was prepared by Rosemary E. Fei and David A. Levitt of Adler & Colvin, and Laurence E. Gold of Lichtman, Trister & Ross, PLLC.

A review copy in PDF format is available to the media and may be obtained by sending an email to AFJ Communications Director Kevin Fry at Kevin@afj.org.

For more information about AFJ’s nonprofit advocacy programs and services, call Abby Levine at (202) 822-6070.

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Alliance for Justice is a national association of over 100 organizations dedicated to advancing justice and democracy. For more than 30 years has led the fight for a more equitable society on behalf of a broad constituency of environmental, consumer, civil and women's rights, children's, senior citizens' and other groups. Alliance for Justice is premised on the belief that all Americans have the right to secure justice in the courts and to have our voices heard when government makes decisions that affect our lives.