Candidate Used Charity Branding in Campaign Posts
The Santa Clara Schools Foundation implemented new guidelines after a board member used its branding for a political campaign.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Santa Clara City Council candidate Kimberley Williams featured the Santa Clara Schools Foundation banner and tablecloth in social media photos taken at the Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival on Sept. 20, 2026. The charity, which maintains a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, confirmed it did not authorize the posts.
Why it matters
Nonprofit organizations are prohibited from endorsing or opposing political candidates to maintain their tax-exempt standing. The unauthorized use of foundation branding risked the organization's legal status, prompting a policy update.
The Santa Clara Schools Foundation holds 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, which mandates that the organization remain neutral in political campaigns. The foundation did not authorize the candidate's use of its branded materials.
The players
Kimberley Williams
She is a Santa Clara City Council candidate and served as the board president of the Santa Clara Schools Foundation.
Santa Clara Schools Foundation
This is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity that provides support for educational programs within the local area.
The details
Kimberley Williams, who became the foundation board president in June 2026, removed the Facebook photos following a complaint. In response, the nonprofit now reviews social media tags and is updating its board member commitment form to include strict prohibitions on logo and branding usage for political purposes.
Timeline
June 2026: Kimberley Williams became the foundation board president.
Sept. 20, 2026: Campaign photos were taken at the Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival.
Sept. 25, 2026: The foundation issued new guidance to board members.
Market Landscape
Nonprofit organizations must maintain strict neutrality to satisfy IRS 501(c)(3) non-partisan electioneering prohibitions. The foundation's decision to update its governing documents reflects the broader corporate and institutional challenge of monitoring brand usage in an era of constant social media engagement.
Residents and donors can expect the foundation to implement stricter digital oversight of its branding to ensure compliance. The incident clarifies that local charities are legally separated from the political campaigns of their board members.
The takeaway
Nonprofit board members must distinguish between their personal political activities and their organizational leadership roles. Candidates should always verify that a charity has authorized the use of its materials before including them in campaign messaging.
Further reading
For more information on local nonprofit operations, see Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San José Spotlight.
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Should nonprofits strictly prohibit political activity by their board members while representing the organization?
