Author: Tim Mooney

September 4, 2025

The Pedalshift Project 413: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Part 2

Day two and three of the Oregon Coast tour evolve into an epic quest for an elusive bicycle part. Is this a mere repair mission or a saga worthy of Greek mythology with adaptive problem-solving, multiple contingency plans, long-distance bus adventures, heat stroke avoidance, and kind bike shop professionals who go above and beyond?

The Pedalshift Project 413: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Part 2

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Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Part 2

Day Two Morning – Plan Multiplication

Late wake-up due to flexible schedule
Pig and Pancake breakfast at classic Oregon Coast institution
10:30 AM: First Seaside shop call – negative result
12:00 PM: Multiple plan permutations discussed off-mic
Decision to purchase additional campsite night for gear security

The Great Plan Cascade

Plan A: Dead on arrival (Seaside shop #1)
Plan B: Dead at noon (Seaside shop #2)
Multiple Portland options considered and analyzed
Ian consultation reveals Monday/Tuesday availability conflicts
Plan F: Warrenton option with Ed the Legend emerges
50/50 assessment of success probability based on Ed’s memory

Day Two Leisure Activities

Haystack Rock exploration and beach time
Two consecutive meals at Pelican Brewery
Server confusion when Tim and James reversed their lunch/dinner orders
Extended campsite stay and gear planning sessions

Day Three – The Portland Pivot

Early morning departure preparation and coffee
Bus route research reveals 2.8-inch tire compatibility issues
Warrenton bus only runs twice daily, next departure at 5:50 PM
Strategic decision: Portland certainty over Warrenton uncertainty
Critical discovery: Portland bus stops in Beaverton near Universal Cycles

The Beaverton Solution

Successful mid-route bus exit in Beaverton
12-18 minute walk to Universal Cycles in 90-degree heat
Online inventory confirmation: 8 units in stock
Successful charm deployment for installation service
Same-day return bus to Cannon Beach secured

Statistics

Plan iterations reached: 26 maybe 100
Bus route options analyzed: 3
Bike shops contacted/visited: 5
Days with minimal cycling: 2
Temperature differential: 30 From a chilly marine layer in Cannon Beach to 90°F blazing sun in Beaverton
Flats: 0

Notable Quotes

“Plan F. We think from plan double Z” – Tim on the ever-evolving situation
“It’s a coin flip” – James assessing Warrenton success probability
“Don’t let us down. Don’t let us down.” – High expectations for Universal Cycles

• “We need a win” – Emotional state after multiple plan failures

As always we like to close out the show with a special shoutout to the Pedalshift Society! Because of support from listeners like you, Pedalshift is a weekly bicycle touring podcast with a global community, expanding into live shows and covering new tours like this summer’s upcoming bike tour! If you like what you hear, you can support the show for 5 bucks, 2 bucks or even a buck a month. And there’s one-shot and annual options if you’re not into the small monthly thing. Check it all out at pedalshift.net/society.

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 413: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Part 2 appeared first on Pedalshift.

August 28, 2025

The Pedalshift Project 412: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Part 1

Day one of an Oregon coast adventure – what could possibly go wrong? As Mysterious James and I began our journey from Astoria after navigating July 4th rental car details, we encounter (because of course) the first of many issues we’ll encounter on the most mysterious of Oregon Coast adventures ever.

The Pedalshift Project 412: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Part 1

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Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Part 1

Morning, Turned Afternoon Departure

1:00 PM start time after bike assembly and hotel checkout
Bikes transported in rental car not designed for two bikes
TSA inspection didn’t damage gear (deraileur hanger protection removed)
Successful bike reassembly and adjustment

The Ride Begins

Largely flat terrain – unusual for Oregon Coast
Two notable climbs between departure and Seaside
Decision to shorten day from Nehalem Bay to Cannon Beach
Use of Perplexity AI to find alternative “off-book” campsite a success

Seaside Stop & Food Strategy

Delightful lunch that both riders “really needed”
Tim’s nutrition timing issues affecting performance
Plan to shop for breakfast supplies at local market

The Mechanical Crisis

James’s left crank arm completely falls off while riding to market
Discovery of tiny pin mechanism in Shimano crank arm
Initial DIY repair attempts fail spectacularly
Kind local offers help but problem proves beyond field repair

Professional Intervention

Bike shop discovery 470 feet away in Cannon Beach
Ian at local rental shop (also starting bike repair services)
Diagnosis: stripped internal teeth, unrepairable in field
Shop closing at 7:30 PM but Ian stays to help

The Damage Assessment

Left crank arm completely stripped internally
Cannot be field-repaired
Options: Replace single crank arm or entire crankset
Potential multi-day delay due to Sunday/Monday shop closures

Contingency Planning

Morning departure to Seaside bike shops (two available)
Transportation options: Uber (surprisingly available) or bus service
Multiple backup plans if repair takes longer
Flexibility to modify entire tour routing if needed

Technical Details

Equipment failure: Shimano crank arm with pin retention system
Daily mileage: Approximately 30 miles completed
Terrain: Two moderate climbs for Oregon Coast standards
Upcoming challenge: Arch Cape Tunnel (uphill tunnel on Highway 101)

Local Insights

Cannon Beach: Block-by-block character variation
Seaside: Extremely crowded July 5th weekend
Tourism impact: Half of Portland/Seattle metro areas visiting simultaneously
Bike infrastructure: Limited bike parking in tourist areas

Lessons Learned

Try DIY first – But know when to seek professional help
Rental shops can be repair shops – Ian’s dual business model
Community support – Locals willing to help stranded cyclists
Flexibility is key – Every PedalShift tour goes sideways at some point

Tour Philosophy Discussion

Expectation that something will go wrong on every tour
Value of riding companions with compatible problem-solving approaches
Benefits of building in extra days and flexible routing
Options to modify tour scope based on circumstances

Looking Ahead

Immediate goal: Get James’s bike repaired in Seaside
Backup plans: Shortened tour, bus connections, or complete rerouting
Distance flexibility: 20-30 mile days vs. 55-mile days depending on circumstances
Route options: Continue south vs. return north via Portland

Notable Quotes

“All bike tours in the PedalShift universe go sideways at some point”
“There are worse places in the world to be stranded”
“It depends on the block you’re on” (describing Seaside)
“We expect something to go sideways at some point, and you just deal with it”

Statistics

Miles biked 30

Percentage of crank arms that did not fail 75

Distance in feet from Ian’s Cannon Beach bike rental -slash- shop 475

Cumulative nights spent in Cannon Beach (so far) 1

Flats zero

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 412: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Part 1 appeared first on Pedalshift.

August 21, 2025

The Pedalshift Project 411: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Preview

We are so back…. on the Oregon Coast with the Mysterious James for another round of two-wheeled mayhem. Ten days, 360 miles, zero expectations, and maximum potential for randomness. The Safari’s ready, MJ is in, and we’re about to find out if bike touring is really dying or just hiding. Spoiler alert: it’s gonna be a wild ride.

The Pedalshift Project 411: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Preview

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Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Preview

Route Preview

•Start: Astoria, OR (mile marker 0 or 360, depending on your perspective)

•End: Crescent City, CA (for Tim); James continues on to the Bay Area

•Duration: 10 days with a flexible buffer day

•Notable overnight stops (planned or likely):

•Nehalem Bay State Park (newly renovated!)

•Pacific City (Webb Campground… maybe)

•South Beach State Park (for access to Newport breweries)

•Honeyman State Park (newer, flatter hiker/biker site)

•Humbug Mountain State Park

•Harris Beach State Park

•Potential zero day or break-up of the tough Humbug → Harris Beach stretch

•No planned fast-forwards, unless absolutely necessary.

Camping and Lodging Notes

•Prioritizing Oregon’s legendary hiker/biker campgrounds.

•Watching for options to split up tougher days if needed.

•No hotels booked mid-ride… but maybe one after.

Health & COVID Precautions

•Recent exposure to COVID before departure.

•Testing negative but traveling with:

•N95 masks

•At-home test kits

•A solid commitment to not being “that guy” on the coast

Gear and Bike Setup

•Bike: The classic Safari (not the e-bike — those batteries don’t fly)

•Derailleur hanger fixed after some Oregon baggage trauma last year

•Bags and Packing:

•Rear panniers only (probably no front rack)

•Dry bag strapped to handlebars

•Possibly a rack-top bag or extra dry bag for groceries

•Tent & Sleep Kit: Same trusty gear as usual

•Clothing:

•Two sun hoodies, maybe a few tees

•Minimal civilian clothes

•One pair of riding pants, maybe a second pair

•Hat, gloves (maybe), sleep clothes

•Kitchen:

•Might skip the stove — James likely bringing one

•Planning to mooch hot water as needed

•Hydration & Nutrition:

•Bringing water cube + personal bottle

•Salt/electrolyte tablets recommended by a listener

•Stroopwafels as ride fuel (solid choice)

Weather Forecast

•Classic Oregon coast summer: mid-60s highs, mid-50s lows, mostly dry

•Tailwinds expected

•Perfect conditions for coastal touring

The State of Touring

•Fewer cyclists seen in recent years — why?

•Aging of the boomer “bikecentennial” generation

•More folks opting for trail or gravel rides

•General safety concerns on roadways

•ACA is selling its HQ in Missoula and going fully remote — a sign of shifting tides?

•This ride may be another data point in the evolution of bike touring

What to Expect

•Conversations and stories with James

•Challenges, route decisions, campground reviews, and food stops

•A mix of reflective commentary and classic on-the-road storytelling

Coming Up…

•Next episode kicks off the Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 tour proper

•Get ready for on-the-ground updates, audio postcards, and the real-time unfolding of the adventure

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 411: Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Preview appeared first on Pedalshift.

August 20, 2025

Threats to Tax Exempt Status

On this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s especially important in today’s high-stakes advocacy environment — threats to your tax-exempt status. Yes, we’re talking about that precious 501(c)(3) status, the one that lets your organization do good in the world without paying taxes, and with the constant challenge of figuring out how to advocate, influence policy, and make change without accidentally stepping into ‘oops, we might lose our status’ territory.

Attorneys for this Episode

Monika Graham

Victor Rivera

Special guests, interns Ariana and Cecilia

Shownotes

Lobbying 101 for 501(c)(3) Public Charities

Direct vs. grassroots lobbying
The 501(h) election and why it matters
Tracking expenditures and staying under federal limits

Election Season Advocacy Without the Partisanship Pitfalls

What nonpartisan really means (and the surprisingly small actions that can cross the line)
Safe activities: voter education, GOTV efforts, and issue-focused advocacy
Timing, audience, content, and motive — the four factors the IRS cares about

Common Allegations and How to Defend Against Them

Exceeding lobbying limits
Misuse of restricted or federal funds
Partisanship accusations in disguise

Best Practices to Protect Your Organization

Documentation systems that actually work (and don’t make your staff revolt)
Internal policies and staff training that stick
Tools and software for tracking lobbying (and why cross-departmental collaboration matters)

Real-World Case Examples

Increased government scrutiny and oversight
How nonprofits are adapting their compliance tracking in 2025

Resources

Being a Player
Rules of the Game
Influencing Policy in the Digital Age
Preparing for Politically Motivated Attacks

August 14, 2025

Best of Pedalshift 321: East Coast Greenway with Regina Yan

Despite living on the east coast, we spend a whole heck of a lot of attention on bicycle adventures on the west coast, right? Well, it’s time we changed that! On this episode, we chat with Regina Yan about the East Coast Greenway, her epic trip and how she and the East Coast Greenway Alliance is making this route a contender for all of our future cycling adventures! Originally podcast April 28, 2023.

The post Best of Pedalshift 321: East Coast Greenway with Regina Yan appeared first on Pedalshift.

August 11, 2025

The Pedalshift Project 410: Lake Ontario 2025 Takeaways

Six days, two countries, multiple ferries, and one very stubborn e-bike brake magnet later, the Lake Ontario circumnavigation attempt has wrapped up in ways both expected and completely unforeseen. What started as an ambitious 540-mile loop around one of the Great Lakes became a masterclass in adventure adaptation, international border logistics, and the reality of shoulder season touring. On this episode, takeaways from a trip that delivered lessons extending far beyond the original route plan.

The Pedalshift Project 410: Lake Ontario 2025 Takeaways

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Lake Ontario 2025 Takeaways

1. Plan for Ferry Contingencies Ferry schedules can be unreliable, especially early or late in the season. The US-Canada ferry that was supposed to be running for Memorial Day weekend simply wasn’t operational, despite being a critical piece of the route. Always have backup plans for ferry-dependent routes and call ahead rather than assuming seasonal schedules are accurate.

2. E-bike Mechanical Knowledge is Essential This adventure nearly ended before it began due to a simple brake magnet issue that couldn’t be initially diagnosed. If you’re planning to tour with an e-bike, invest time in learning the electrical components and common failure points. Carry backup magnets, electrical tape, and basic electrical tools.

3. Weight Distribution Matters More on E-bikes The combination of heavy batteries, chargers, and touring gear created concerns about spoke and wheel integrity on a bike not designed for that load. Consider front panniers or other weight distribution solutions when carrying substantial battery backup systems for longer tours.

4. International Border Crossings Require Flexibility International bike touring adds layers of complexity that can derail plans. Without vehicle backup, a cyclist would have been stranded when the expected ferry crossing wasn’t running. Research multiple crossing points and have contingency transportation options for international routes.

5. E-bikes Excel at “Twice the Speed, Half the Effort” Consistently maintaining 20+ mph with moderate effort effectively doubles your range compared to acoustic cycling. This opens up longer day rides and different touring philosophies – you can cover more ground in less time or take more time to explore without distance pressure.

6. Shoulder Season Has Trade-offs Riding in late May meant fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, but also meant many seasonal services weren’t yet operational. Consider what matters more for your trip: solitude and cooler weather, or full service availability and guaranteed open businesses.

7. Battery Management is Both Psychological and Practical Having two batteries completely eliminated range anxiety and changed the entire riding approach. The faster-charging newer battery became primary, with the backup providing peace of mind. Invest in quality charging equipment and understand your system’s charging capabilities and timing.

8. Vehicle-Supported Adventures Have Merit While purists might prefer self-supported touring, hybrid approaches can still deliver meaningful bike experiences while providing important safety nets. Sometimes adapting your adventure style is better than canceling entirely when plans go sideways.

9. Memorial or Meaningful Rides Can Evolve Despite not completing the original circumnavigation plan, the spiritual goal of honoring family through cycling around meaningful places was still achieved. The intention and connection to place often matters more than perfect execution of your original route.

10. Equipment Confidence Takes Time and Experience The relationship with the e-bike evolved from skeptical to confident over the course of the trip. Don’t expect immediate comfort with new bike setups – allow for a learning curve and consider adventures like this as extended shakedown rides for future longer tours.

Bonus Insight: Toronto Island proved to be an unexpected highlight, demonstrating that some of the best bike touring moments come from unplanned discoveries when you maintain flexibility to explore interesting detours.

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 410: Lake Ontario 2025 Takeaways appeared first on Pedalshift.

August 6, 2025

Advocacy Check Up (Rebroadcast)

This is a special rebroadcast of an episode from earlier this year on a self assessment tool that our nonprofit listeners should know about because of the continued and on-going threats of politically motivated investigations and attacks on the sector.

We’ll be back in two weeks with a brand new episode.

* * *

For those who caught our most recent podcast on Nonprofit New Year’s Resolutions – Resolution #2 was to conduct an Advocacy Check Up. In this episode, we’re deeper into how to do that. We released new Nonprofit Self-Assessment tool, designed to help nonprofit organizations assess your overall compliance with federal and state advocacy-related tracking and reporting requirements, and to identify opportunities to build your organization’s advocacy capacity.

Attorneys for this Episode

Quyen Tu Sarah Efthymiou Susan Finkle Sourlis

ü Governance & Administration: Strengthen your nonprofit’s compliance and operational efficiency

· Having legal and accounting support from professionals with knowledge of nonprofits can help safeguard against unnecessary risk and prevent costly errors

· The IRS recommends, and some states require, that certain organizational policies are maintained, such as document retention & destruction and conflict of interest policies.

· Most states have registration and reporting requirements when nonprofits solicit funds from their state’s residents. Nonprofits should regularly review their fundraising activities (including online) to determine whether they need to register.

ü Funding Sources: Once your legal house is in order, we suggest that you look at your funding sources.

· The type of funder will help determine what type of funds you are dealing with, e.g., general support vs. project specific grants, single-year vs multi-year grants.

· Determining the funding source will help you understand how you can spend the funds, whether there are limitations, and how you pay for the day-to-day operational costs for your nonprofit.

ü Advocacy Activities, including lobbying

· Important to understand if an activity or communication is lobbying or nonlobbying advocacy.

· Whether your nonprofit has taken the 501(h) election will help you know your lobbying limits as a 501(c)(3), as well as how to define lobbying.

· Don’t forget that many activities may look like lobbying but fall under an IRS exception. The checklist has you covered there, too.

· State and federal lobbying disclosure rules may apply to your work, too.

ü Coalition and Affiliate Work

· The checklist also raises questions to consider when establishing and setting up a coalition and affiliate relationships. For example, Do you have a cost sharing agreement? Do you share staff, how do you keep track of the programs that are distinct to each organization? Are staff aware of the difference between the two orgs? These questions are important to the foundational principles of how c3s and c4s can work together – or in broader coalitions.

· The basic principle is in regards to the flow of money and assets, we refer this as riding a bike up the hill – money or shared assets (like sharing staff) from the c3 to a c4 is slow deliberate process and you need to have the systems in place to ensure that the c3 is not supplementing or supporting the allowable c4 political activity.

· Having the appropriate documentation and keeping track are also important principles to follow.

ü Nonpartisan Election Activities

· Although one election cycle just ended, another one is underway – there will be many local and state elections in the odd year. Thinking about and preparing for election-season activities should be part of every nonprofit’s check-up.

· Do staff or volunteers understand the rules around nonpartisan activity? Do staff or volunteers know what hats they are wearing – what can they do in their official organizational capacity or as an individual on their own personal time?

· In this section, think about your activities your nonprofit might participate in, e.g., will you conduct town halls, candidate questionaries, or voter education?

Resources: The primary resource that we highlighted today is our new Advocacy Check-Up: Nonprofit Self-Assessment. Within the checklist, you’ll find links to Bolder Advocacy and other helpful resources that will help you complete your assessment and be in the best position to advocate for your organization, your mission, and your communities.

July 31, 2025

The Pedalshift Project 409: Lake Ontario 2025 – Part 7

What was supposed to be a triumphant border crossing and final push from Niagara Falls back to the starting point became something entirely different when family health concerns required an immediate pivot. But sometimes the best laid plans need to be set aside for what actually matters, and day six became about completing the ride in the way it was always meant to end – with a proper beginning and a proper finish, both by bike, both connected to the places and people that made this whole adventure meaningful in the first place.

The Pedalshift Project 409: Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 7

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Lake Ontario 2025 – Part 7

Statistics

Miles biked: 10.2

Number of times the difference between towns and villages in New York was explained: 1 (and hopefully that’s enough)

Conversations with Good Samaritans about unconscious people on bike paths: 1

Root intrusions that could be classified as kidney shakers: 4

Battery anxiety level on a scale of 1-10: 0

Municipalities referenced 4

Flats: 0

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 409: Lake Ontario 2025 – Part 7 appeared first on Pedalshift.

July 24, 2025

The Pedalshift Project 408: Lake Ontario 2025 – Part 6

Transitioning from from the peaceful Toronto Island back into the urban sprawl of southern Ontario is a bit of a record scratch I’ll more thoroughly experience when I eventually ride this ride, but a fast forward to a stunning Niagara Falls hotel leads to an extensive e-bike exploration of the Niagara River and Falls area. But plans always have a way of changing and this day was no different.

The Pedalshift Project 408: Lake Ontario 2025 - Part 6

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 408: Lake Ontario 2025 – Part 6.

Subscribe/Follow The Pedalshift Project:
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Lake Ontario 2025 – Part 6

Toronto Island Farewell

Final morning walk through the quiet island community
Observations on the unique housing stock and lifestyle
Discussion of waiting lists and the appeal of island living
Apple tree sightings continuing the Lake Ontario apple theme

Hotel with a View

Check-in at a dated but perfectly positioned Niagara Falls hotel
Room with an “outrageous” view directly overlooking Horseshoe Falls
Plans to bring dinner back to the room due to the unbeatable vista
Discussion of off-season pricing and business travel perks

Vehicle Talk

Introduction to the new Toyota RAV4 plugin hybrid
Upcoming camping drawer system installation
Comparison to previous vehicle setups
Teasing of a major summer adventure

Navigation Adventures

Challenges finding the proper cycling route to Niagara Parkway
Discovery of abandoned rail right-of-way
Multiple elevation changes due to the Niagara Escarpment
Eventually finding the correct riverside path

Hydroelectric Discovery

Learning about the Niagara Tunnel Project – 10.2 km underground tunnel
Understanding how power generation works 40 meters below the river surface
Observing the transformation from calm upstream waters to rushing rapids
Multiple spillways and control structures

Falls Experience

Cycling directly along the Niagara River as it approaches the falls
Walking the bike through crowded tourist areas
Experiencing mist from both American and Horseshoe Falls
International tourism observations
Discussion of why this isn’t a national/provincial park

Family Matters

Mid-episode phone call requiring attention to family health issues
Decision to return home earlier than planned
Reflection on how circumstances aligned properly for the situation

Looking Ahead

Announcement of a “proper” Day 6 episode
Plans to complete the original intended route from mother’s former home to current home
Postponement of international border crossing for future adventure

Statistics

Miles biked 6

Number of Superman II references 3

Outrageous parking cost at the hotel 45 CAD

Length in seconds of the full color cycle of the falls lighting at night 69 (nice)

iPod dockable clock radios in the hotel that are so vintage as to be worth way more than the hotel probably thinks 1

Flats 0

Music

You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to JUKEBOX BOY wherever cool music is available!

The post The Pedalshift Project 408: Lake Ontario 2025 – Part 6 appeared first on Pedalshift.

July 23, 2025

Politically Motivated Attacks Revisited

ROTG137 Politically Motivated Attacks Revisited

Nonprofit advocates face a complex environment in 2025 where political disagreements routinely escalate into targeted attacks—ranging from carefully crafted misinformation to more extreme tactics like organizational funding cuts, subpoenas, and personal targeting. This episode explores the emerging challenges advocates encounter, offering insights into recognizing, preparing for, and navigating these increasingly sophisticated forms of political pushback.

Attorneys for this Episode

Brittany Hacker

Tim Mooney

Quyen Tu

Evolution of Political Attacks

This isn’t the first time we’ve covered this topic—we discussed it back in earlier episodes when attacks primarily came from private organizations and non-governmental entities like Project Veritas. What’s changed is the increasing use of official government investigative authority against tax-exempt organizations, including:

Current Landscape: Government Investigations & Bad Faith Actors

Executive Orders from the Trump administration
Universities under attack and scrutiny
Government agencies: Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
State Attorneys General investigations (particularly from those seeking higher office)
New techniques utilizing official power with minimal basis for investigation

The key challenge: These officials have great investigative power and can exercise it with the slimmest basis, using bad faith political attacks against organizations doing good community work they simply disagree with.

Examples of Great Advocacy in Response

Despite these attacks, many nonprofits have stepped up their advocacy:

Challenging the administration in court

Almost every executive order has faced legal challenges
Many nonprofits have teamed up for court cases
Some challenges have been successful, others ongoing

Calling out attacks for what they are

Naming attacks as politically motivated and in bad faith
Pointing out reliance on dubious information
This approach has met with significant success

Solidarity in numbers

Some law firms and universities initially settled with the administration
Others joined together and refused to settle or capitulate
Finding strength in solidarity and continuing their missions

Funder support stepped up

Funders creating new short-term grants
Establishing legal defense funds
Providing pro bono services for nonprofits
Some funders publicly increased funding; others acted quietly but effectively

Being Prepared: Your Best Defense

Legal and Administrative Compliance

The best defense is ensuring full compliance with all applicable laws so you can advocate with confidence.

Advocacy Check-Up Tool: Our nonprofit self-assessment (13-page document available free on our website)

Identifies opportunities to enhance compliance with tax, lobbying, election, and other laws
Provides starting place to assess existing systems
Helps prepare for attorney meetings with specific checklist items

Key compliance areas to review:

How your 501(c)(3) remains nonpartisan
Staying within lobbying limits for C3 public charities
Ensuring all reporting is current (IRS, FEC, local ethics commissions)
Checking insurance coverage (directors & officers, liability)
Board setup and bylaw compliance
Document management: Store foundational documents electronically in the cloud

Maintain excellent records: Clear, accurate documentation to easily prove legal compliance when needed

Organizational Readiness and Communications Planning

Beyond legal compliance, you need comprehensive preparation:

Identify vulnerabilities: What might attackers say about your work?
Communications strategy: Have a plan for public response
Election season policy: Clear guidelines for staff activities
Document retention policy: Know what to keep and for how long
Staff training: Especially public-facing staff and volunteers

Train them to recognize unusual questions outside normal scope
Establish “odd question point person” to defer to

Response protocols: Know what to do if attacked
Legal counsel: Have a lawyer you can call or know who to contact

Most Important: Don’t Self-Censor

Remember these are bad faith attacks. You aren’t doing anything wrong. They’re trying to:

Separate you from your funders
Separate you from your supporters
Make you stop your advocacy work
Avoid engaging on the substance of your work

Don’t fall for the trap of stopping your advocacy just because they claim you’re doing something wrong. If your compliance is solid and you have a communications plan, you’ve likely done nothing wrong—keep doing your important work.

If You Are Attacked: Response Strategy

Initial Response: Don’t Overreact

Reassure everyone: Staff, board, key supporters that you have a plan and are executing it
Share with allies: Touch base with coalitions and peer organizations

Attacks often target multiple similar organizations
Share what you’re experiencing and your response plans

Ask for help: Learn from others who’ve been through this; consult funders and foundations

Fact-Finding and Gap Analysis

Get clear on accusations: What specifically are they claiming?
Assess the facts: What do you know vs. don’t know?
Close any gaps: You don’t have to be perfect

Retrain staff if needed
Amend reports if necessary
Address any legitimate compliance issues

Response Protocol for Official Investigations

When facing government actors:

Request identification and documentation: Ensure it’s a legitimate governmental agency with authority (warrant/subpoena)
Preserve all evidence: Don’t destroy documents, emails, or other records
Don’t obstruct government action but monitor their work (like supervising a contractor in your house)
Protect privileged information: Seek legal advice on confidential/privileged materials
Designate spokesperson: One staff member communicates with government actors and public to avoid conflicting messages

Legal Support and Defense

Seek counsel for preparation: Some aspects you can handle alone, others need legal guidance
Retain counsel for formal responses: Essential for official investigations
Investigate legal defense funds: If budget is tight, these are increasingly available

Staying on Offense: Reframe the Narrative

With a good plan in place, you can be on offense instead of defense: