Friends Committee on National Legislation

245 Second Street, NE

Washington, DC 20002-5761

The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) characterizes itself as a Quaker Lobby in the Public Interest. It states that it fields the largest team of registered peace lobbyists in Washington, DC. It was founded in 1943 by members of the Religious Society of Friends (the Quakers), with whom it continues to be affiliated.

It lists its legislative priorities as follows:

I. We seek a world free of war and the threat of war.

II. We seek a society with equity and justice for all.

III. We seek a community where every person’s potential may be fulfilled.

IV. We seek an Earth restored.

The FCNL, as a lobbying organization, has a 501(c)(4) categorization. It is not eligible for contributions from the Special Endowment. There is also a Friends Committee on National Legislation Education Fund (FCNL EF), which is a 501(c)(3) organization.

The FCNL had expenses of $1.753 million in the year ending 30 June 2011, of which $1.155 million or 66% was for program services, $0.197 million for administration, and $0.400 million or 23% for development. Review shows that both income and expenses have been severely impacted since 2008 by the global financial crisis, which has had an impact on their expense ratios. Income of $1.416 million came almost entirely from contributions.

The FCNL EF had expenses of $3.308 million in the year ending 30 June 2012, of which $2.166 million or 66% was for program services, $0.441 million for administration, and $0.702 million of 21% for development. Income of $4.291 million included $2.549 million in contributions and $1.103 million in bequests, including one large bequest that was set aside to replenish losses.

The expense ratios are relatively high compared to larger non-profits, but I am not aware of another comparable organization that accomplishes as much for the cause of peace lobbying as the FCNL. I recommend that the FCNL be categorized as “eligible and currently nominated” from the General Endowment and “ineligible” from the Special Endowment. I recommend that the FCNL EF be categorized as “eligible but not nominated” from the General Endowment and “eligible and currently nominated” from the Special Endowment. Contributing to educational activities with funds that are available for lobbying does not seem the most effective use of the 501(c)(4) money of the General Endowment.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert McClenon

12 June 2012