What We Do

CLPI works to promote nonprofit advocacy and create systemic change in three related ways:

CLPI works with partners such as the Independent Sector, Council on Foundations and Board Source to make civic engagement in public policy an ordinary, not extraordinary, part of what charitable nonprofit leaders, board members and funders do every day. Through reports, media and stakeholder convenings, CLPI seeks to educate and mobilize sector leaders with the goal of dramatically increasing nonprofit advocacy from current levels. By doing so, CLPI will leverage social investments to create systemic change.

CLPI’s expert trainers (“Fellows”) from around the country and our staff provide customized, interactive workshops for nonprofit leaders, board members and funders on why and how to engage in effective nonprofit advocacy. Link to Get Trained. You will learn how to build your organization’s capacity, effectiveness and impact. You will learn why policy matters and how you can get started and develop plans for public policy engagement. Topics covered include getting your board’s support for public policy, communicating effectively with legislators, recruiting and mobilizing grassroots support, nonpartisan voter activities, and understanding and adhering to the laws governing lobbying and voter activities. Contact CLPI at 202-387-5048 to inquire about scheduling a training for your organization, coalition, or network.

Technical assistance is available online at Ask CLPI, and by phone at 202-387-5048. www.clpi.org provides extensive information available on nonprofit advocacy and lobbying.

Nonprofit voices are critical to developing effective public policy. As a result, CLPI monitors and lobbies for legislation that will make it easier for charitable nonprofits to participate in the democratic process. Such measures might include harmonizing the different federal and state definitions of and requirements for charitable lobbying, reducing unnecessary government reporting burdens, and making the 501(h) expenditure test the default option for smaller to mid-size charitable organizations. It also includes working to create bright line guidance from the IRS on the types of nonpartisan voter activities in which charitable nonprofits may participate.

CLPI and our partners also will protect the hard won rights of charitable nonprofits to lobby and engage in nonpartisan voting activities. There continue to be efforts modeled on the Istook Amendment to restrict nonprofit government contractors and grant recipients from lobbying with their own private funds. Also, we must remain vigilant against efforts to separate advocacy from service in public policy. This divide and conquer strategy is a dangerous trap. Advocacy and service go hand in hand and are the hallmark of many of the highest impact nonprofits.

CLPI History

Beginning with its establishment by Bob Smucker, Tom Troyer and other long-time nonprofit leaders and advocates, CLPI has endeavored to be a trusted resource for information, training and network building. Started in 1998 as a project of Independent Sector, CLPI has grown to be an independent and critical 501(c)(3) leader in the civil sector.

With trainers in communities around the country, CLPI focuses on addressing persistent barriers that undermine the essential public policy role of nonprofits, including:

• Limited financial resources,
• Confusion regarding the law, and
• Limited staff or volunteer skills.

CLPI works to remove these barriers by expanding the advocacy capacity of nonprofit networks and seeking to increase awareness of the important role of nonprofit advocacy.

As a non-partisan convener, CLPI is uniquely positioned to communicate and connect with a broad range of organizations, including federal, state and local nonprofits and coalitions, foundations, public policy research and public interest groups, and educational institutions. CLPI works with nonprofit organizations and networks around the country to encourage their active engagement in effective lobbying. This work results in a more engaged and effective nonprofit sector and citizenry.

In 2008, CLPI celebrated its tenth anniversary with a reception and formal lunch honoring its founders and sector leaders. More Information