Unincorporated association is “person” under Voting Rights Act

An unincorporated association can be considered a “person” under federal civil rights acts and the Voting Rights Act and sanctioned for intimidation, the 10^th Circuit Court of Appeals has held. It has reversed a District Court holding that the association could not be sued.

The full text of this article is available to paid subscribers only. Login or subscribe to read more

September Webinar

Lobbying and Electioneering for Nonprofits
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
1:30-3:00 PM ET

Want to impact the next election?

Want to know what nonprofits can do to affect public policy?

The elections in November will shape the future of our country. Nonprofits and their stakeholders have an interest in the outcome.

Most webinars on lobbying and electioneering for nonprofits concentrate on what charities may not do. This webinar will concentrate on what charities and other nonprofits can do in elections and policy development throughout the year.

Charities exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Tax Code have been forbidden for years under the so-called “Johnson Amendment” from endorsing or opposing candidates for public office at any level of government. But litigation is pending that could eliminate that rule, at least for churches. Should your charity now ignore the rule to endorse a candidate?

Charities are also limited in the amount of lobbying they can do in supporting or opposing specific legislation. How much lobbying is permitted?

Learn more and register

Nonprofit bylaw review

Don Kramer will review and comment on your own current or proposed bylaws

Do your Bylaws reflect the way you actually operate? Do they protect the interests of those who should be protected? Do they spell out clearly how to deal with governance issues? Or do they create uncertainty for those who have to implement them?

Most nonprofits don't spend a lot of time looking at their Bylaws until there is a question or a dispute. That's when you need bylaws that are clear and unambiguous, so your questions on how to proceed are already answered. That's when bad bylaws can lead to unnecessary controversies or even costly litigation. Nonprofit Issues editor Don Kramer will review your current or proposed Bylaws to see if they work for you.

Learn more

New Subscribers can have full access to the entire website and all editions for 3 months for only $17.95.

Subscribe Today

Here's what our readers say about Nonprofit Issues:
Thanks again for your excellent and helpful website - it's a wonderful resource for the non-profit community! --Stephanie H.

Thank you for your informative and keen advice on nonprofit matters. I believe it's a unique and concise place to get answers to this often wispy area called nonprofit. --Richard T.

SAY THAT AGAIN?

July 14, 2026

The draft of an endowed fund agreement for a community foundation called for grants to be made annually to a designated charity and provided that if the charity ever went out of business, the future grants should be made to another charity in the same location.

The agreement set forth the charity’s name and listed its location as a P.O. Box.

See our "Say That Again" collection

Special Report Available

Increasing Gender Diversity on the Boards of Nonprofit Eds and Meds: Why and How to Do It

This report provides a rare inside view on barriers women face to selection and success that are particular to nonprofit organizations and makes specific recommendations on how to improve the gender ratio.
Download the full report free

YOUR ONE-STOP PLACE FOR NONPROFIT LAW YOU NEED TO KNOW

Unincorporated association is “person” under Voting Rights Act

Unincorporated association is “person” under Voting Rights Act