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About us NCAPCS Action is a new outgrowth of the NC Association for Public Charter Schools, the largest 501(c)(3) charter school nonprofit in North Carolina, which exists to advance quality educational opportunities for all North Carolina children by supporting and expanding successful charter schools. Prior to 2015, North Carolina had two public charter schools’ advocacy organizations: the NC Alliance for Public Charter Schools and the NC Public Charter Schools Association. Acknowledging that competition between the two groups weakened the movement as a whole, the boards of both organizations met in late 2015 to discuss a merger, agreeing that one voice would be best for the schools. The NC Association for Public Charter Schools (NCAPCS) was born in early 2016. Since then, NCAPCS has maintained the Guidestar Silver Transparency rating, supported our member schools through extensive programming and communications, and our lobbying team have been influential in advocating for a number of successful bills; however, the federal government places limits on the lobbying practices of nonprofits. Therefore, the nonprofit’s governing board decided to implement the next phase of its planned growth by creating a 501c4, which would expand the ability to lobby. NCAPCS Action, a 501(c)(4), is a social welfare organization that may pursue educational, lobbying and some limited political activities. No limit exists on the amount of lobbying a 501(c)(4) may conduct, including working for the passage or defeat of ballot measures. The Articles of Incorporation of NCAPCS Action were certified by the NC Secretary of State on December 8, 2021. The new 501c4 entity is now prepared to implement its mission, but seed capital is necessary for a successful launch of this budding venture. The founding board is comprised of public charter school stakeholders and founders with direct experience of the challenges we are facing in lobbying for legislation that supports innovative, successful public charter schools which contribute to a thriving democracy. |