All of us organizing together are here to make a difference. This spring, as we continue our work, we’re transitioning to one 501c4 status under GROWW’s umbrella to give us more tools and more flexibility to achieve the change we need in our communities. 

In our communities we are facing serious problems, and we’re serious about making a difference together.  This summer, we’re moving forward with more freedom to fight for the change our communities need by advocating for causes we all care about, raising awareness with our neighbors, and encouraging public discussion. “Some of the challenges we’re facing in our towns and rural communities, like a lack of affordable housing or the rise of corporate agriculture, have roots in the political process,” Organizing Director Bill Hogseth reflected.“To tackle certain local problems, there may be times when we need to support candidates or get involved in an election. We can tackle the same work, but now we have more tools at our disposal.”

The GROWW and GROWW Action Boards of Directors made this decision in order to open doors for all our current and future work together, speaking up for what we believe in and fighting for everyone in our communities to make ends meet, live with dignity, and have a voice in shaping the decisions that impact us. 

Now, you wont need to bounce between two sites to keep up.You won’t find us online with GROWW Action, but everything you need at our updated online home – GRO-WW.org to keep up with all our work together.

What’s that mean for us moving forward? Let’s get into it.

More Tools in our Toolbelt

As a 501c4 Organization, we have the flexibility to leverage our grassroots power to engage with elected officials and policymakers, take public stands on the policies and legislation that impact us, and do more to champion the causes we’re fighting for.  There are fewer limitations on the activities of 501c4 organizations than a 501c3 organization, and that strengthens our ability to create lasting change through more opportunities to engage in activities like:

Lobbying: Lawmakers, government officials, and policymakers make many of the decisions that make or break the progress our campaigns fight for. As a 501c4, we can speak directly to those decision makers pulling the strings to tell them what our communities need with fewer caps and limitations than as a 501c3 charitable organization.

Creating Community Conversation: We know we have to get the pressing problems front and center in our community conversations to create change. As a 501c4, we can do more work on activities like organizing protests or using our social platforms to engage our communities to generate energy for tackling our most pressing issues.

Advocating for the Reforms We Need: 501c4 organizations can take a stand on the changes in laws and regulations we need, like Bridge the Divide has already done as a part of GROWW Action. As a 501c4 social welfare organization, we can propose, support, and oppose specific legislation to address social, environmental, or economic issues we aim to tackle.

Support Candidates (with Limitations and Mindfulness): As a 501c4 GROWW has the option to support candidates who align with our goals. This support can include issue-based advocacy, voter education, or campaign contributions within defined legal limits.

These tools help us speak up for what we believe in with more freedom to fight for the change our communities need by advocating for causes we all care about, raising awareness with our neighbors, and encouraging public discussions.

This increased flexibility empowers us to take immediate action on pressing matters, seize opportunities, and effectively address urgent challenges.

This transition reinforces our commitment to remaining community-directed and independent. Our values and our communities’ needs are what continues to drive the work we do together when choosing the educational, lobbying, and advocacy activities we utilize.

How will GROWW and GROWW Action projects be impacted?

Current campaigns won’t experience any disruption to the work they are doing in their communities.

Teams already with GROWW will retain all of the current organizing options at their disposal –  501c4s can do all the same educational and outreach activities approved for 501c3 nonprofits! As we address above, just a few new doors will be opened with the new status. As always, each team will decide their strategies and tactics to achieve their big goals!

Campaigns that were associated with GROWW Action have already been working under a 501c4 umbrella, and we’re happy to welcome them to their new organizational home with their counterparts at GROWW here, without any change.

Throughout this transition, we’re committed to upholding the core values that have guided us from the very beginning. Our dedication to transparency, integrity, and community are at our roots, and we will continue to prioritize our mission above all else.

We understand that you may have questions, and we are here to address them. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, and our work is far from over. As we embrace this new chapter, we work together to shape a future filled with hope, progress, and positive change.

Have any more questions? Contact us!