TY - JOUR
T1 - Lobbying and advocacy for the public's health
T2 - What are the limits for nonprofit organizations?
AU - Vernick, Jon S.
PY - 1999/9
Y1 - 1999/9
N2 - Nonprofit organizations play an important role in advocating for the public's health in the United States. This article describes the rules under US law for lobbying by nonprofit organizations. The 2 most common kinds of nonprofits working to improve the public's health are 'public charities' and 'social welfare organizations.' Although social welfare organizations may engage in relatively unlimited lobbying, public charities may not engage in 'substantial' lobbying. Lobbying is divided into 2 main categories. Direct lobbying refers to communications with lawmakers that take a position on specific legislation, and grassroots lobbying includes attempts to persuade members of the general public to take action regarding legislation. Even public charities may engage in some direct lobbying and a smaller amount of grassroots lobbying. Much public health advocacy, however, is not lobbying, since there are several important exceptions to the lobbying rules. These exceptions include 'nonpartisan analysis, study, or research' and discussions of broad social problems. Lobbying with federal or earmarked foundation funds is generally prohibited.
AB - Nonprofit organizations play an important role in advocating for the public's health in the United States. This article describes the rules under US law for lobbying by nonprofit organizations. The 2 most common kinds of nonprofits working to improve the public's health are 'public charities' and 'social welfare organizations.' Although social welfare organizations may engage in relatively unlimited lobbying, public charities may not engage in 'substantial' lobbying. Lobbying is divided into 2 main categories. Direct lobbying refers to communications with lawmakers that take a position on specific legislation, and grassroots lobbying includes attempts to persuade members of the general public to take action regarding legislation. Even public charities may engage in some direct lobbying and a smaller amount of grassroots lobbying. Much public health advocacy, however, is not lobbying, since there are several important exceptions to the lobbying rules. These exceptions include 'nonpartisan analysis, study, or research' and discussions of broad social problems. Lobbying with federal or earmarked foundation funds is generally prohibited.
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U2 - 10.2105/AJPH.89.9.1425
DO - 10.2105/AJPH.89.9.1425
M3 - Article
C2 - 10474565
AN - SCOPUS:0032783488
SN - 0090-0036
VL - 89
SP - 1425
EP - 1429
JO - American journal of public health
JF - American journal of public health
IS - 9
ER -