Practice Test Geeks(CNE) Certified Nonprofit Executive Practice Test
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Advocacy & Public Policy Flashcards

7 cards from real CNE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Advocacy & Public Policy flashcards as text

  1. A 501(c)(3) makes the 501(h) election. Under this election, the direct lobbying expenditure ceiling for an organization with $5 million in exempt-purpose expenditures is:

    Answer: $250,000

    Under 501(h), the direct lobbying ceiling is 20% of the first $500,000 of exempt-purpose expenditures, yielding $100,000 for the first tier, with a total cap of $1M; for $5M in expenditures the combined nongrassroots cap is $1,000,000 but the calculation yields $250,000 for the first $500K bracket — the actual ceiling depends on the sliding scale, with the total lobbying cap calculated per IRS table.

  2. A nonprofit executive testifies at a public legislative hearing about the impact of proposed budget cuts. This activity is generally classified as:

    Answer: Direct lobbying

    Testifying before a legislative committee about specific legislation is considered direct lobbying under IRS definitions.

  3. Which of the following best describes 'issue advocacy' as distinct from lobbying?

    Answer: Educating the public about a policy issue without calling for a specific legislative action

    Issue advocacy raises awareness and educates about policy topics without expressly urging support or opposition to specific legislation.

  4. A 501(c)(4) social welfare organization is often used alongside a 501(c)(3) in an advocacy structure because the 501(c)(4) can:

    Answer: Engage in unlimited lobbying as its primary activity

    501(c)(4) organizations may engage in lobbying as their primary activity as long as they operate for community benefit, unlike the substantial-part restriction on 501(c)(3)s.

  5. An effective power-mapping exercise in advocacy helps a nonprofit identify:

    Answer: Key decision-makers, their influencers, and the relationships between them

    Power mapping visualizes who holds decision-making authority and who can influence them, guiding advocacy strategy.

  6. Under the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA), which threshold triggers registration for a lobbying firm representing a nonprofit client?

    Answer: Income of $3,000 or more for lobbying services in a quarter

    Under the LDA, a lobbying firm must register if it receives $3,000 or more in income for lobbying activities in a quarterly period.

  7. What is 'earned media' in the context of nonprofit advocacy?

    Answer: Coverage secured through relationships and newsworthiness rather than payment

    Earned media refers to unpaid press coverage obtained because the story or event is considered newsworthy by journalists.