With November being an election month—and so much at stake for local communities—now is the time for nonprofits and community-based organizations, including community radio stations, to engage thoughtfully, strategically, and nonpartisanly in advocacy. Staying informed and connected to policymakers isn’t just smart; it’s essential to resilience. Policy decisions, funding shifts, and public trust dynamics all shape the ability of mission-driven organizations to serve their communities.
Why This Matters
A study by Independent Sector found that only 31% of nonprofits reported engaging in advocacy or lobbying over the past five years—less than half the rate recorded two decades ago. This decline matters because nonprofits are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between lived community experience and the policy decisions that shape those conditions.
🔗 Independent Sector – Nonprofit Advocacy and Civic Engagement Research
The National Council of Nonprofits, in its 2025 Public Policy Agenda, emphasizes that charitable nonprofits “improve lives, strengthen communities and the economy, and lighten the burdens of government, taxpayers, and society as a whole.” It calls on nonprofits to engage at all levels of government—federal, state, and local—to protect and advance their ability to act.
🔗 National Council of Nonprofits – 2025 Public Policy Agenda
What Advocacy Looks Like in Practice
Advocacy goes far beyond lobbying. It includes educating policymakers, amplifying community voices, convening stakeholders, and coordinating with peer organizations.
🔗 Council of Nonprofits – Advocacy vs. Lobbying
- Hosting local or state elected officials for station visits to showcase community impact.
- Providing data or stories that illustrate how policy decisions affect your audience.
- Joining coalitions that strengthen your voice on shared priorities.
- Submitting comments on proposed regulations or funding rules that affect local media and emergency alert systems.
- Building long-term relationships with policymakers based on trust, transparency, and nonpartisan collaboration.
The Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR) reminds us that effective advocacy requires “staying proximate to both people and power,” ensuring those closest to the issues are part of the solution.
🔗 SSIR – Staying Proximate to Power
Engaging Local Elected Leaders
For many nonprofits, the most impactful advocacy happens locally—where decisions about arts and culture funding, broadband expansion, emergency communications, and civic engagement are made.
🔗 Independent Sector – The Pursuit of Influence
Know the Rules
Advocacy is fully permissible for 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while lobbying is allowed within limits. Nonpartisan civic engagement—such as educating voters or informing public debate—is encouraged as long as it does not support or oppose candidates.
🔗 Council of Nonprofits – Political Campaign Activities and Risks
A Cautionary Note on the Current Political Climate
We would be remiss not to mention the heightened risks facing nonprofits in today’s political environment. Reports indicate that the current administration has explored or initiated efforts to increase scrutiny of certain nonprofits—particularly those perceived as politically active or critical of government policy—through investigations and potential changes to tax-exempt status.
🔗 Reuters – War on the Left: Inside Plan to Investigate Liberal Groups
🔗 TIME – Plans to Target Left-Leaning Nonprofits Raise Alarms
🔗 Wall Street Journal – Administration Plans IRS Overhaul to Pursue Nonprofit Investigations
🔗 The Guardian – US Nonprofits ‘Lock Arms’ Amid Menacing of Philanthropies
Quick Advocacy Checklist for Community Radio Stations
✅ 1. Stay informed.
Subscribe to policy updates from the National Council of Nonprofits and Independent Sector.
✅ 2. Identify key issues.
Track local, state, and federal policy changes that affect community media—such as public broadcasting funding, music licensing, or emergency alert systems.
✅ 3. Build relationships.
Invite elected officials to your station, local events, or live broadcasts. Demonstrate how your station connects people and strengthens civic life.
✅ 4. Share your stories.
Provide concise, data-informed examples of how your station supports local news, culture, and safety.
✅ 5. Join forces.
Collaborate with peer organizations and networks like NFCB to strengthen your collective voice.
✅ 6. Follow up.
After every meeting or visit, send a thank-you note or summary. Consistency builds trust and credibility.
Final Thought
Policy engagement is not just for think tanks and lobbyists—it’s for every nonprofit that cares about the people it serves. As communities face complex political and economic realities, nonprofits and community media must stay informed, engage local leaders, and amplify civic voices.
Your voice matters. Advocacy is how we make it heard.
