Where Mission Meets Integrity
What does it really mean to be nonpartisan in a time of political division, policy threats, and moral urgency?
We’re not apolitical — we’re values-driven, issue-focused, and relentlessly committed to justice and human flourishing.
Here’s how we honor the law, stay true to our mission, and speak boldly without crossing the line.
Video Above: Dena Sue Potestio, Founding Principal of VincentViktoria Philanthropy Advisors, explains nonpartisan dialogue, and how it differs from being apolitical.
Commit to Nonpartisanship at Every KaffeeKlatsch
And understand that committing to nonpartisanship does not mean being apolitical. Instead, it means advancing our missions with fierce moral clarity while maintaining the legal and ethical distance needed to remain:
Legally protected and compliant with IRS Rules and Regulations
Credible
Broadly supported
Committing to nonpartisanship is a powerful, disciplined stance — one that protects nonprofits’ ability to keep fighting for the people and causes we serve, across administrations and political eras.
As part of our shared responsibility to uphold the integrity, credibility, and legal compliance of the nonprofit sector, it’s important that we are aligned in understanding what it means to be nonpartisan — and how that differs from being apolitical.
Why Apolitical ≠ Nonpartisan
For nonprofits, being apolitical is not the same as being nonpartisan.
Here’s the difference:
Apolitical means refusing to engage in political matters altogether — no advocacy, no public policy work, no speaking up on government decisions or laws.
Nonpartisan means engaging deeply with political issues (advocating, lobbying, testifying, educating) but doing so without aligning with or endorsing specific political parties or candidates.
In short:
Apolitical = ignoring politics
Nonpartisan = working on political issues without party allegiance
What Does ‘Nonpartisan’ Mean?
As members of registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, we are legally prohibited from endorsing, opposing, or contributing to political candidates or parties. This restriction is part of the Johnson Amendment and ensures that our work remains rooted in the public good — not political campaigns.
Being nonpartisan means that we do not align ourselves with or against political parties or individual candidates.
It does not mean we are silent or neutral on the issues that matter.
In fact, we are encouraged — and often obligated — to engage in issue-based advocacy that advances our mission and supports the communities we serve.
What Does ‘Apolitical’ Mean?
An apolitical stance generally implies disengagement from all political or policy matters. While some organizations may choose to be apolitical in tone or activity, that is not our approach — nor is it advisable for mission-driven work that seeks to influence systems, policies, and public outcomes.
We’re not apolitical.
We’re strategically political — but nonpartisan.
We may take clear positions on legislation, policies, funding priorities, or systemic injustices that directly impact our missions as nonprofits. We may educate the public, host forums, conduct research, and speak truth to power — but always without aligning ourselves with political parties or candidates.
Why It Matters
Remaining nonpartisan protects:
Our legal standing and ability to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Our credibility across diverse communities and stakeholders.
Our capacity to bring people together across political lines to solve shared problems.
We must especially be vigilant during election seasons, on social media, in public forums, and when communicating on behalf of the organization. While we all have personal political beliefs, when representing our organizations, we speak and act in service of our missions, not any party platform.
Key Reminders
Staff and board members must not endorse or oppose candidates or parties in the organization’s name or on its platforms.
We can and should advocate for issues, policies, and systemic change aligned with our missions.
All communications — internal and external — should reflect this distinction.
When in doubt, ask!