PANO is a collective voice to influence state policies on behalf of more than 40,000 nonprofit employees and 100,000 nonprofit volunteers in Pennsylvania. We believe Pennsylvania nonprofit professionals grow better together.
We advance public policies that support a strong nonprofit sector in Pennsylvania to build vibrant and thriving communities. We educate and engage elected officials on issues of importance to nonprofits and the people who count on them.
Duane Morris Government Strategies (DMGS) supports PANO’s advocacy efforts. DMGS is a national full-service legislative lobbying and tracking firm that does work in all 50 state capitals across the country.
Federal Advocacy
Congress is currently facing a major test in its effort to fund the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year. February 3 marks day 4 of a partial […]
UPDATE: According to an Associated Press article updated 8:34 PM ET on January 28, 2025, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the funding freeze. The article, which you can read […]
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed dozens of Executive Orders (EOs) on a broad range issues affecting nonprofits and those we serve: Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; Government grants […]
State Advocacy
Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 prolonged budget stalement occurrng at the same time as a federal government shutdown had devastating impacts on Pennsylvania lives and the nonprofit sector that serves as a backbone […]
In June 2023, lawmakers and nonprofit professionals relaunched Pennsylvania’s Charitable Nonprofit Caucus. Co-chaired by Representatives Abigail Salisbury and Joe Hogan as well as Senators Jay Costa and Lynda Schlegel Culver, […]
Amplifying Our Superpowers: Our Voice, Our Value, Our Impact In support of our 2023 policy priority of a Strong Nonprofit Workforce, PANO is proud to partner with the following advocacy […]
Yes. Every charitable nonprofit can and should make its voice heard on issues that are important to its mission and to the people it serves. As advocates, nonprofits are required to speak up about policies, laws, and regulations. Lobbying by nonprofits is permitted by law. Unless a charitable nonprofit has elected to have a 501(h) designation, organizations may not spend a “substantial” portion of revenue on lobbying. The IRS does not define substantial.
On the federal level, lobbying is contact with a legislator to influence legislation. On a state level for PA, it is contact with a legislator or any member of state government to influence legislation or administrative action. This also includes time spent planning or researching in preparation for a lobbying contact. For reporting requirements, organizations should track the amount of time spent on activities that fit the federal definition of lobbying whether that be on a federal, state, or local level.
Educational contacts that do not include a call to action are not considered in the definition of lobbying.
Absolutely. Nonprofits have a constitutional right and responsibility to engage in policy-making processes. Though federal regulations require that nonprofits remain strictly nonpartisan (neither supporting nor opposing candidates for elected office), much can and should be done, including voter education guides, voter registration, get-out-the-vote drives, and candidate forums. Each of these activities is legally permissible if conducted in a strictly nonpartisan manner.
No. While lobbying by nonprofits is permitted by law, charities are strictly prohibited from electioneering. Electioneering is engaging in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office. Charities cannot endorse any candidates, make donations to their campaigns, engage in fundraising, distribute statements, or become involved in any other activities that may be beneficial to or detrimental to any candidate for public office.
Charities must operate in nonpartisan mode. Charities must be aware that engaging in prohibited campaign activity could result in excise taxes imposed on the money spent electioneering, loss of tax-exempt status, and more severe penalties for flagrant violations.
