My Account | Free Trial | Sign In
Submit site feedback
National Journal.com

nationaljournal.com > Under the Influence

NationalJournal.com Home Under the Influence Home Under the Influence Home

National Journal's Under the Influence

Monday, March 15, 2010 11:42 AM

In the wake of the Supreme Court's recent ruling to deregulate corporate political spending, public attention has focused squarely on whether businesses and for-profit companies will now lavish big money on elections.

But Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission may have as much or more impact on another type of incorporated organization -- nonprofits of all stripes. These include 501(c)4 advocacy groups, 501(c)5 labor unions, 501(c)6 trade associations and even 501(c)3 charities, which face both fresh opportunities and dangers in the wake of Citizens United.

Associations and advocacy groups can be expected to ramp up their political activities, election lawyers say. At the same time, the ruling -- by equating corporate and individual First Amendment rights -- could trigger sweeping changes in IRS law as it applies to political activity, some tax experts say. All this could thrust 501(c)3 charities, which are now barred from engaging in partisan political activities, into an uncomfortable spot.

You can read Eliza's full column here.

Leave a response



Get Print-friendly version of this page E-mail this page to a friend Subscribe to comments for  Big Changes For Nonprofits Follow us on Twitter
About    Contact    Employment    Reprints & Back Issues    Privacy Policy    Advertising
Copyright 2012 by National Journal Group Inc.
The Watergate · 600 New Hampshire Ave., NW Washington, DC 20037
202-739-8400· fax 202-833-8069 · NationalJournal.com is an Atlantic Media publication.