Events
Funder Webinar
Beyond the 501(c)(3): Understanding Power-Building Through 501(c)(4) Strategies
December 9, 2026 @ 11:00 am – 12:15 pm PST
501(c)(4) organizations are uniquely positioned to drive social change and advance policy goals because they can use a broader array of advocacy tools than 501(c)(3)s. Unlike c3s, c4s have no lobbying limits and can engage in certain forms of partisan political activity and electoral work — enabling them to build productive relationships with decisionmakers through legislative advocacy and election campaigns.
This is an educational webinar open to all funders about the fundamentals of c3 vs. c4 work and how c4 activity is a powerful and complementary lever to build durable power and policy change. Speakers will share examples of what they have been able to accomplish through c4 work. We’ll also explore how foundations can legally resource c4 work and considerations on how funders and movement partners can establish affiliate c4s.
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders (SAFSF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The presentations in this webinar will not include any candidate endorsements, other partisan campaign activity, or any calls to action to support specific c4s that are lobbying on specific pending or proposed legislation or any specific 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations.
This webinar is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have questions about compliance with federal, state, or local law that may apply to your organization, you should consult experienced legal counsel.
Speakers
Sophie Ackoff, Environmental Advocacy Project
Bio coming soon
Sean Carroll, Policy Director, Land Stewardship Project (LSP)
With close to 20 years of organizing experience, Sean has worked on a broad range of social justice issues, including with the labor movement, on environmental issues, in faith communities, on elections, and on food systems. In that time, he has organized campaigns with teachers to keep their rural public school from closing, to register thousands of students to vote, and to pass leading policies on solar power. Since 2018, he has served on the board of CURE (Clean Up the River Environment), a rural-based organization based in western Minnesota. As policy director for the Land Stewardship Project, Sean manages a team of organizers building grassroots power for a just food and farming system. Biking, music, art, his cats, and his family keep a smile on his face.
Sarah Hackney, Coalition Director, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)
Sarah (she/her) oversees NSAC’s overall organizational strategic direction, administration, management, and capacity-building. Previously, she served as NSAC’s Grassroots Director for nearly 8 years, working with NSAC’s member organizations and allies to empower and mobilize grassroots food and farm voices nationwide. Raised in rural Florida, her prior work has included community-led efforts to improve small farm viability, increase fresh food access, and build leadership in rural communities in the Pacific Northwest. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Dartmouth College.
Josh McNeil, Deputy Director, Walton Conservation Coalition
Bio coming soon
Joe Shultz, Executive Director, The Platform for Agriculture and Climate Transformation (PACT)
As The Platform for Agriculture and Climate Transformation Executive Director, Joe draws on more than 15 years of leading food and agriculture policy in the U.S. Senate and his work on the past three bipartisan Farm Bills. A graduate of The Ohio State University and Cornell University, Joe is active in the management of his family’s fourth-generation farm. Joe is based in Washington, D.C.
