Can a section 501(c)(3) organization conduct business activities with a candidate for public office?
A business activity such as selling or renting of mailing lists, the leasing of office space or the acceptance of paid political advertising may constitute prohibited political campaign activity. Some factors to consider in determining whether an organization is engaged in prohibited political activity campaign include: a. Whether the good, service or facility is available to candidates in the same election on an equal basis, b. Whether the good, service or facility is available only to candidates and not to the general public, c. Whether the fees charged to candidates are at the organization’s customary and usual rates, and d. Whether the activity is an ongoing activity of the organization or whether it is conducted only for a particular candidate.
