North Carolina Family Policy Council

As they describe themselves: Founded in 1992, the North Carolina Family Policy Council is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research and education organization dedicated to the preservation of the family and traditional family values....We are engaged in a battle to retain the Judeo-Christian values that are the foundation of western civilization. More here.

Affiliates and brands: The N.C. Family Policy Council generally issues reports and news releases under its own brand. It publishes a 40-page quarterly magazine, Family North Carolina, and produces a weekly 15-minute radio show, Family Policy Matters. While there are similar organizations in other states, the NCFPC is an independent 501(c)(3) group. It also has an affiliated 501(c)(4) social welfare group, North Carolina Family Policy Council Action, organized to conduct grassroots lobbying of the public as well as lawmakers. Both groups report to the same person and share an address. 

Network*: Pope

Funding: The N.C. Family Policy Council nonprofit raised $466,883 in 2011, according to its IRS 990 tax form. The JW Pope Foundation reported giving $100,000 during that year. Reports filed with the N.C. Secretary of State's Office and the North Carolina State Board of Elections indicate Family Policy Action raises and spends less than $100,000 per year. 

Lobbyist: Two members of the Family Policy Council staff are currently registered to lobby in North Carolina. 

Media Profile: Staff from the Family Policy Council show up in stories when they comment on items before the legislature and are called upon as guests to discuss social policy issues. The group was particularly active during the 2012 debate of the state's gay marriage ban amendment. Most recently, one of its lobbyists testified against a bill that would legalize medical marijuana. 

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* Many of the public policy think tanks and advocacy groups active in North Carolina fall into one of two camps: A liberal circuit with ties to the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and a conservative circuit with ties to the John William Pope Foundation. For more, click here.