The Significance of 501(c) Status Among Environmental Nonprofits Engaged in Oil and Gas Policy Debates

Abstract

This paper examines the advocacy activities of 30 environmental nonprofits engaged in oil and gas policy debates. Because 501(c)(3) organizations are restricted or prohibited from engaging in certain types of advocacy, the literature typically considers 501(c)(3) organizations service providers and 501(c)(4)s advocacy organizations. This study looks at whether this dichotomy holds among a group of organizations that actively advocates and examines the implications of 501(c) status. Data come from surveys of organizations active in hydraulic fracturing policy debates, along with organizations’ Form 990s and websites. Results obtained through statistical analyses and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) indicate that the environmental nonprofits actively advocate and report doing so relatively effectively. Furthermore, this research uncovers new patterns in advocacy tactics and the organizations that use them by analyzing advocacy participation and effectiveness separately and through QCA.

Issue Introduction

“…Amid the current environment of elevated fuel costs, Kagan (2022) offers a timely analysis of the advocacy activities of environmental nonprofits engaged in hydraulic fracturing policy debates. Extending our knowledge of nonprofit advocacy beyond 501(c)(3) service providers and 501(c)(4) advocacy organizations, the author utilizes both qualitative comparative analysis and quantitative statistical analysis to explore the types of advocacy activities these nonprofits use to influence policy.…”