Donating money to modify public thinking and government policy has now taken its place next to service-centered giving as a constructive branch of philanthropy. Many donors now view public-policy reform as a necessary adjunct to their efforts to improve lives directly. This book was written to help donors navigate the obstacles of public-policy philanthropy.
Examples of regional associations communications with U.S. Senators around the America Give More Act.
Examples of regional association communications with their members and policy groups around the America Gives More Act.
PowerPoint slides from Richard Figueroa's "Moving Funders in Support of Policy Work" presented at the 2014 PolicyWorks Institute. This session discussed how a group of California funders are collaborating on social change as a starting point for a broader conversation on the value and ways that RAs can participate and support this kind of collaborative philanthropic effort.
PowerPoint slides from PolicyWorks Evaluator Dawn Roberts's presentation "How Has the Forum Network Changed?" Covering 2009-2014, the session detailed changes in how regional associations engage their members and legislators on public policy issues.
Nonprofits can and should play an active role during elections, particularly by educating and activating voters. However, with important local, state and federal elections coming up this fall, nonprofits should take the time to remind their staff about appropriate activity during a political campaign or at any other time.
Sample public policy agendas, principles, and action plans from regional associations participating in PolicyWorks for Philanthropy.
Case studies from regional associations that articulate why grantmaker members should engage in public policy work.
Sample member surveys from regional associations on public policy work.
The guide is based on a premise supported by everyone we interviewed: that regional associations can and should become more intentional about building member support for policy work in order to be more effective in that work, and also, according to some, to be more effective associations generally.