Background:
From time to time, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), a 501(c)(3) public charity, receives requests to sign on to letters to Congressional Committees and/or Federal agencies (e.g., CMS, HHS, FDA) in support of pending legislation and/or regulatory changes related to infectious diseases. Staff will conduct a preliminary screening to ensure that proposed letters align with the NFID mission, and do not conflict with letters previously approved for NFID sign-on, and that NFID remains in compliance with all rules applicable to 501(c)(3) public charities in connection with the proposed letters.
Policy:
In accordance with the Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) statutes and related Treasury Regulations, no substantial part of NFID activities may include attempting to influence legislation (i.e., lobbying), nor may NFID participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for elective public office. NFID may participate in limited advocacy activities by signing on to letters initiated by other related organizations/coalitions, based on the following requirements:
- The sponsoring organization must be an NFID supporting/collaborating partner organization or NFID must be a member of the sponsoring coalition.
- The letter aligns with the NFID vision, mission, core values, and strategic plan/priorities and the outcomes will benefit infectious disease prevention and/or efforts to improve antimicrobial stewardship.
- The information provided in the letter is evidence-based, accurate, referenced as appropriate, and/or consistent with generally accepted infectious disease practices.
- The proposed letter is reviewed and approved by at least 3 members of the NFID Executive Committee within the specified timeframe for approval.
NFID will not initiate letters on its own nor support letters developed by industry partners.
Approved September 2024