Why is this 501(c)(3) allowed to lobby against health care? Not in their mission!

They have run 2 TV ads tonight telling people to call Senator Ben Nelson to change his position on Health Care. This has nothing to do with the stated purpose of the group. Where do we report this?



http://www.genhopeusa.org/

Generation Hope's Mission

It is the mission of Generation Hope Fund to inspire and educate people of all ages to overcome adversity and accept diversity, and to live life with “No Excuses…No Limits!”

Through motivational presentations to schools, organizations and community groups, and through the creation of educational and media programs and Camp Hope, Generation Hope will raise awareness and understanding about disabilities and chronic illnesses and show how ‘differently-abled’ people are extreme examples of courage, perseverance and inspiration. These everyday heroes let their efforts rise above their adversity and excuses to achieve their goals; thus, raising the bar for all people to lose the excuses and live their dreams! Our message will inspire all people, whether ‘differently-abled’ or able-bodied, to see that dealing with everyday adversity is what we have in common rather than what separates us, and to understand when we use excuses we disable or limit ourselves out of fear or lack of understanding. Providing this type of knowledge and sensitivity will help kids of all ages to make responsible choices in their lives regarding how they treat others and themselves, and will inspire them to use individual differences and the ‘advantage of adversity’ to find the hero within and take action to achieve their goals and to help others.

Common misunderstanding. 501(c)(3) organizations are subject to a broad prohibition on election activities, but can engage in legislative lobbying up to certain limits.
http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=163392,00.html

:dem:

-Laelth

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=7000240


It also has the complaint form

since lobbying is not per se illegal for 501(c)(3) organizations.

But knock yourself out.

attempting to influence if it contacts or urges public to contact members or employees of a legislative body about legislation...so if they are urging the public to contact Ben Nelson for him to vote against the Health Care Reform they should loose their tax free status. That is the way I read the information. The third paragraph there says this.

Some lobbying is ok (first paragraph) as long as it's not "a substantial part" of it's activities. Exactly what qualifies as substantial is apparently subjective.

But you need a lot of info.