Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, has announced $728 million in Affordable Care Act grants to community health centers across the country.  The grants are intended to help existing community health centers serve nearly 900,000 more patients, expand and modernize their facilities and create jobs in local communities.  America's 8,500 community health centers have not have the space, staff and resources to meet the needs presented to them.  These grants are targeted to meet the needs of the health centers so they may more fully meet the needs of their local communities.  See Secretary Sebelius' blog post for more information on this important initiative.

The elections this November provide another opportunity for citizens to become engaged in the political process. Charitable organizations that fall under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code such as Jewish Federations and affiliated agencies are "absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office." Violation of this prohibition can result in the imposition of fines, and in some cases, revocation of tax-exempt status.

Although there are many political activities in which nonprofits are prohibited from participating, there are also some in which charities may legally engage. AJFCA and JFNA encourages member agencies to engage in political opportunities in a manner consistent with the information provided in this memorandum in order to promote policy issues, meet with and educate elected officials and those seeking elective office, and ensure that citizens exercise their right to vote.

This memo is intended to be a brief outline of some permissible activities in which 501(c)(3) organizations may engage in during an election year. It covers distinctions between legislative and electoral activity, voter registration and education, activities conducted by individuals as opposed to organizations, and more.  AJFCA and JFNA encourage you to share this memo with your affiliates and other agencies in your community, but please note that this memo is not intended to constitute legal advice and an attorney should be contacted as necessary.

Please read the full memo here. 

If you have any questions, please contact Steven Woolf, JFNA's Senior Tax Policy Counsel, at  202-736-5763.

Older Americans Month is celebrated each May to honor and recognize older Americans for the contributions they make to families, communities and society. To assist the National Aging Network and other group plans for activities during the month of May or throughout the year, the Administration on Aging (AoA) issued a theme for Older Americans Month. This year's theme "Never Too Old to Play" encourages older Americans to stay engaged, active logo and involved in their own lives and in their communities.

Consider hosting a Day of Play during Older Americans Month. Visit OlderAmericansMonth.org where you can access useful resources and tools to help you plan and promote events and activities honoring older Americans. You can also use the site to announce your activity or share great stories about your event with the Nation.

Older Americans Month, April 24, 2012, NCOA