BLOG for ADVOCATES

We created this blog to share interesting advocacy related items that cross our desks. It can be anything from new research on funding for advocacy to examples of unusual advocacy strategies. If you have an item to share please send it to npaction@npaction.org.
NPAction Staff

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Why Supporting Advocacy Makes Sense for Foundations

Atlantic Philanthropies recently published a piece concerning support for advocacy. The report focuses on examples of successful foundation-funded advocacy efforts, important questions for individual philanthropists and foundation staff to consider before committing to funding advocacy, as well as giving an overview of why funders should consider investing in advocacy.

Public policy advocacy entails…

• Research and Dissemination
• Raising Awareness
• Community Organizing
• Grassroots Mobilization
• Building Capacity
• Policy Development
• Lobbying
• Litigation
• Electoral Activity

Funders should ask questions regarding…

• Organizational capacity- experience, skill, understanding
• Senior-level support- trustees, management, relationships with other organizations
• Strategic and Tactical Considerations- ability to act quickly, move forward

Tips on funding advocacy include…

• Getting informed from a variety of perspectives
• Thinking broadly about how to support effective coalitions
• Considering all the options before making a decision
• Considering the various models by which campaigns can be managed
• Establishing clearly identified, central co-ordination of campaigns
• Being prepared to empower non-profit leaders
• Providing general operating support
• Incorporating long-term funding into advocacy grant making
• Communicating effectively

The report also offers a series of certain case studies, including reports on the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, death penalty reform and immigration reform.