STATEMENT ON LOBBYING GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC CHARITIES

What is lobbying?

Lobbying is an individual or organization[1]’s attempt to influence legislation[2] by contacting (Direct Lobbying), or urging the public to contact (Grassroots Lobbying), members or employees of a legislative body for the purpose of proposing, supporting, or opposing specific legislation. For example, policy makers in Washington are continually debating and making decisions which will impact your ability to conduct research. Public officials cannot make fair and informed decisions without considering information from a broad range of interested parties. Lobbyists and organizations that engage in lobbying help to provide information from all viewpoints in order to produce fair federal policies. While most people think of lobbyists as paid professionals, anyone can lobby, and all who do so are protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution.

Can AIMBE Lobby?

Yes. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, AIMBE may engage in some lobbying, but too much lobbying activity risks loss of tax-exempt status. AIMBE can spend up to 20% its first $500,000 in operating funds on lobbying.

AIMBE may, however, may be involved in public policy or advocacy without the activity being considered lobbying. For example, AIMBE has conducted educational meetings on Capitol Hill in the form of Congressional Briefings on the regulatory process at the Food and Drug Administration and biomedical engineering research at the National Institutes of Health. Preparing and distributing educational materials or otherwise considering public policy issues in an educational manner is not lobbying. Also, staff researching legislation, regulations, or other public policies is not lobbying.

Can AIMBE get involved in political activity?

AIMBE may not engage in political activity defined as participating in, or intervening in any political campaigns on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.  Doing so would threaten AIMBE’s tax-exempt status. This includes endorsing specific candidates or political parties for office, and donating to campaigns, political parties, and political action committees.

AIMBE members and staff may be involved in political activities on a voluntary basis, not on behalf of AIMBE, or while in the course of their normal business activities.

[1] These groups may include: colleges, universities, churches, charities, public interest groups, senior citizens organizations, businesses, and even state, local or foreign governments.

[2] Legislation includes action by Congress, any state legislature, any local council, or similar governing body, with respect to acts, bills, resolutions, or similar items (such as legislative confirmation of appointive office), or by the public in referendum, ballot initiative, constitutional amendment, or similar procedure. It does not include actions by executive, judicial, or administrative bodies.