Firewalls & Programmatic Independence

On this episode, we discuss best practices for working in coalition and with affiliated organizations and the importance of firewalls to 501(c)(4)s that engage in independent expenditures. Attorneys for this show Monika Graham, Susan Finkle-Sourlis, and Leslie Barnes Working in Coalition – Affiliated Organizations ·       Maximize advocacy and resources ·       501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) activities ·       Establishing legal, financial, and programmatic independence o   Separate names, logos, EIN, and activities o   Cost sharing agreements o   Separate or joint websites and social media accounts o   Timesheets o   Branding matters Firewalls – 501(c)(4)s and political organizations, candidates and committees ·       What are independent expenditures? ·       Why are independent expenditures important? ·       Establishing firewalls to protect against impermissible coordination ·       Safe harbors for permissible communications ·       FEC firewall policy   Resources Please check out the resources listed below and our extensive resource library at bolderadvocacy.org for more information on this topic. We hope you join us on a future episode of the podcast! The Connection The Practical Implications of Affiliated Organizations Nonprofits Working Together Working Together: Affiliation and Coalition Basics FEC guidance on independent expenditures and firewalls