We affirm, neighborhood associations or their board members shall never endorse a candidate on behalf of the association.
Both Portland regulations and IRS 501(c)(3) restrictions prohibit neighborhood associations from taking positions on political candidates. Additionally, anyone affiliated with a neighborhood association is prohibited from listing that affiliation when making a personal endorsement of a candidate, unless they explicitly state that they are expressing a personal opinion only and that no endorsement by the organization has been made or is implied.
According to IRS regulation, any 501(c)(3) that endorses a candidate or allows an officer to list their affiliation with the organization without including a personal disclaimer that the name of the nonprofit is shown for identification purposes only and that no endorsement or statement by the organization is implied can have it’s 501(c)(3) status revoked.
If you see any candidate endorsements that use terms like SW Hills Neighborhood Association, SWHRL or Southwest Hills Residential League, please report these violations to contact@swhrl.org.