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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can RWJF funds be used for lobbying or political campaign activity?
- What is the difference between advocacy and lobbying?
- When does my tax status change? What do I need to do when that happens?
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Can RWJF funds be used for lobbying or political campaign activity?
RWJF grant funds cannot be used to fund lobbying or political campaign activities. Both of these activities are prohibited by the legal agreements established between RWJF and the grantee at the beginning of the grant. Sometimes grantees ask if they may lobby with non-Foundation funds. Grantees are free to carry on whatever activities they are otherwise permitted to conduct with other sources of support.
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What is the difference between advocacy and lobbying?
Whether an activity is permitted advocacy or prohibited lobbying or political campaign activity requires an analysis of the specific factual situation. As a general matter, prohibited lobbying requires a communication with a legislator about specific legislation or encouraging members of the public to contact legislators about specific legislation. However, the rules about both lobbying and political campaign activity are very detailed, and we urge you to become familiar with them. Many grantee organizations have in-house counsels who are familiar with these rules, and a number of educational Web sites also are available. See for example, the Web sites of the Charity Lobbying in the Public Interest, the Alliance for Justice, and the Council on Foundations, all of which have helpful educational materials.
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When does my tax status change? What do I need to do when that happens?
In making a grant to you, the Foundation needs to determine whether you are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, whether you are a private foundation under Section 509(a) of the Code and whether you are a Type III supporting organization under Section 509(a)(3)(B)(iii) of the Code. If, during the period of your grant, you are notified by the Internal Revenue Service that your status as a tax-exempt organization under any of these statutes has changed, you are required to notify the Foundation immediately by contacting the Office of the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.