The 2024 U.S. presidential election is set to impact your nonprofit, regardless of the outcome. If you’re reading this, you’re likely thinking ahead about how this year’s U.S. election cycle could impact your organization and how to prepare your nonprofit to respond effectively, both internally and externally. You already know that developing a robust election preparation strategy is essential for nonprofits to navigate potential impacts on their mission and operations. <\/p>\n
To help you achieve that goal, here are five tips for developing your nonprofit’s election-planning strategy, caring for your team, and upholding democratic values, along with a collection of valuable election-planning resources.<\/p>\n
As part of your election preparation strategy, understanding your legal boundaries around presidential elections is crucial for maintaining compliance as a 501(c)(3) organization. As a 501(c)(3) organization, all nonprofits are prohibited from engaging in partisan politics. So the first step for nonprofits going into the 2024 election season is ensuring compliance with regulations governing political activity. <\/p>\n
What your nonprofit can\u2019t do:<\/strong> You nonprofit cannot endorse candidates, make political contributions, or engage in electioneering<\/a>.<\/p>\n What your nonprofit can do:<\/strong> Your nonprofit can participate in nonpartisan voter education and engagement efforts. <\/p>\n Here are some additional resources to help navigate political boundaries this election cycle:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Creating a plan for how your nonprofit will respond to various possible elections outcomes will enable your organization to adapt fundraising efforts and thoughtful post-election communications plans effectively. Preparedness helps build resilience\u2014regardless of the political landscape. <\/p>\n Check out Bridgespan\u2019s \u201cNavigating Political Uncertainty: Scenario Planning for Nonprofits During This US Election Year<\/a>\u201d to see how to build scenario plans for different futures during this election year.<\/p>\n Election cycles can mean your nonprofit\u2019s causes and needs are elevated to a national and global stage. Consistent, mission-focused communication will reinforce the vital role your donors play now and beyond the 2024 election cycle. Additionally, your organization should be ready to adapt fundraising strategies, diversify outreach, and respond to the sentiments of your target audience if and as the time comes to navigate changes effectively. By incorporating an election preparation strategy into your communications, you can better reinforce the vital role your donors play during this politically charged period.<\/p>\n Here are a few resources you might find helpful: <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n As leaders in your organization, here are five things you can do to get election-ready<\/a>. The Management Center also published tips for how to facilitate employee check-ins<\/a> and a post-Election Day debrief<\/a>. <\/p>\n Here are some additional nonprofit election planning resources to care for your employees during the 2024 election season:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Monitor data trends and expert insights during election season to effectively adapt your fundraising strategy and post-election communications plan.The Council on Foundations will host a webinar series on the policy implications for philanthropy. <\/p>\n You can register for the following sessions:<\/strong><\/p>\n As we approach the 2024 U.S. presidential election, prioritizing an election preparation strategy will help your nonprofit remain resilient and effective in fulfilling its mission, regardless of the election outcomes. By understanding your legal boundaries, planning for various election outcomes, and adapting your fundraising strategies, you can effectively navigate the political landscape. <\/p>\n Supporting your team through this season and staying informed will further strengthen your organization\u2019s resilience. Utilize the resources available to ensure you are well-equipped to uphold your mission and values during this critical time. Together, we can foster a vibrant, engaged community committed to our shared democratic principles.<\/p>\nWomen's health is a major focus in the US 2024 presidential election. Photo<\/span> by Mercy in Action Vineyard, which improves maternal and neonatal health.<\/a><\/small>\n2. Plan for different election scenarios.<\/h3>\n
3. Prepare for shifts in philanthropy.<\/h3>\n
4. Support your team to get through the election season<\/h3>\n
5. Stay agile and informed.<\/h3>\n