Sara Ellen Matlin

I'm both a lawyer and a bilingual nonprofit activist. I bring:

• More than 30 years in the nonprofit field
• Experience as a former community organizer and current community activist
• Nearly a decade helping nonprofit organizations and funders navigate nonprofit advocacy rules

I am the leader of the ACLU – North Peninsula Chapter’s Rapid Response Team and a founder of the San Mateo County Coalition for Immigrant Rights. The ACLU of Northern California honored me with the 2023 Lola Hanzel Courageous Advocacy Award, which recognizes “individuals who have a demonstrated commitment to civil liberties by giving generously of their time, talents, and support to preserve and defend the Bill of Rights.”

I graduated with a B.A. from Stanford University and a J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law. I'm a licensed attorney in the State of California. Most recently, I served as Senior Bilingual Counsel with Bolder Advocacy at Alliance for Justice. Before that, I was a legal aid attorney for tenants and domestic violence survivors, a Spanish/English interpreter, and a community organizer, both in the SF Bay Area and in Central America.

I provide:

-Tailored legal guidance for nonprofit advocacy: Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned veteran, you'll need realistice advice for planning your advocacy activities and practical solutions when issues arise. I translate the IRS and CA jargon into sensible legal guidance (in English or Spanish). And then I help you figure out, "Okay, now what?"

-Workshops for your nonprofit, coalition, or cohort: I teach nonprofits and grantmakers how to navigate IRS lobbying, election-related, and funding rules, as well as CA lobbying and ballot measure rules. I cut through legalese with workshops tailored to your team's specific advocacy needs and experiences. 

-Optimize funding for advocacy organizations: Foundations can support advocacy orgnizations, and grantees have a right to use those funds to support their advocacy. I guide both funders and nonprofits in matching grant structures with advocacy opportunities.