Dear Arts Community,

We’ve heard from many of you with thoughtful questions about how to navigate January 23 in a way that reflects your values, supports staff, and protects your organization, particularly with regard to 501(c)(3) compliance.

This is a politically charged moment, and it’s understandable that arts organizations are feeling pulled to show care for their communities while also being mindful of legal and organizational responsibilities. To help, we’ve put together a brief, one-page framework that outlines key considerations for 501(c)(3) arts nonprofits that are thinking about closing their offices that day.

This resource is not legal advice, but rather a practical set of guidelines to help organizations think through what is generally considered higher-risk versus lower-risk, and how neutral framing, such as a community service, volunteer, or staff wellbeing day, can offer a path forward.

Our hope is that this one-pager provides clarity, reduces anxiety, and supports you in making decisions that are right for your organization, your staff, and your mission.

As always, we encourage organizations to consult their own legal counsel for advice specific to their circumstances.

Please feel free to share this resource within your networks, and don’t hesitate to reach out if it’s helpful to talk through questions or scenarios.

Closing Your Arts Organization on January 23: Guidance for 501(c)(3) Nonprofits

Purpose of this document

This one-pager is intended to provide a practical framework to help arts organizations think through how to approach office closures on January 23 while protecting their 501(c)(3) status. It is not legal advice, and organizations should consult their own legal counsel for guidance specific to their circumstances.

The core 501(c)(3) consideration

501(c)(3) nonprofits may not engage in partisan political activity and must limit lobbying. While nonprofits may engage in broad, nonpartisan advocacy, publicly endorsing or promoting a General Strike can create legal and reputational risk. Strikes are often associated with political, economic, or labor demands intended to influence public policy or employers. The concern is not organizational intent, but how actions and messaging could reasonably be perceived.

What is generally permissible

Arts organizations may close their offices on January 23 if the closure is framed neutrally and does not endorse the strike. Common, lower-risk approaches include designating the day as a Community Service Day, Staff Volunteer Day, Wellbeing or Reflection Day, or an organizational closure for staff care. These approaches are consistent with charitable purposes when framed appropriately.

Recommended messaging

External: “Our office will be closed on January 23 for a staff community service and wellbeing day.”

Internal: “Staff may engage in personal civic activities in an individual capacity. Any such activities should not use organizational branding or imply representation of the organization.”

Actions that carry risk

Arts organizations should avoid publicly endorsing or promoting the General Strike; framing an office closure as solidarity with the strike; encouraging staff or the public to participate; using strike-related language, graphics, hashtags, or reposts; or presenting staff participation as organizational action.

Staff acting as individuals

Staff may choose to engage in civic or political activity on their own time and in a personal

capacity. They should not speak on behalf of the organization, use organizational branding, or imply organizational endorsement.

Bottom line

Closing your office is allowed. Public endorsement of a General Strike is not recommended for 501(c)(3) organizations. Neutral, mission-aligned framing focused on service, care, and community is the safest approach during politically charged moments.

This document is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Arts Action Day is March 3rd - Register Now

With so much at stake for our state and nation, this is a critical moment to stand up for the arts.

Arts Advocacy Day is Tuesday, March 3, 2026 — and your voice is needed at the Capitol.

Decisions made during this legislative session will directly shape the future of arts funding and cultural policy in Minnesota. Our collective presence demonstrates the true strength, reach, and impact of the arts across Minnesota.

Registering early helps us organize effectively, show strong momentum, and deliver a clear message: the arts matter, and we are paying attention.

Join Us for Arts Advocacy Day!

Date: TUESDAY, MARCH 3rd, 2026
Rally in the Capitol Rotunda: 10 - 11 AM
Legislative Meetings: 11 AM - 3 PM

REGISTER FOR AD TODAY!!!