Some of the most effective foundations involved in policy and advocacy in the United States are lean, place-based foundations. They achieve significant impact and maximize their investment by intensely focusing on their chosen issues, gaining deep insights, leveraging their reputation and relationships, and persistently pursuing their goals.
Why We Designed This Guide
We created this field guide to assist lean foundations and donors in directly funding and participating in policy work. It features seven practical steps that have been tested in the field. We provide a basic introduction to the essentials, explore various approaches to funding and engagement, and offer advice on persuading your board to increase involvement. Throughout, we share strategies and real-life examples from lean funders to inspire and guide you.
Lean foundations and donors using this guide can make a bigger impact on issues they care about by achieving real and significant policy change and reform.
We authored this field guide in partnership with Frontera Strategy.
Advocacy Field Guide Table of Contents
I. PURPOSE OF THIS FIELD GUIDE
II. THE FUNDAMENTALS OF ADVOCACY
- What Is Advocacy?
- Advocacy Activities and Strategies — A Menu Four Advocacy Approaches
- Continuum of Foundation Advocacy
III. WHAT ASSETS DO YOU BRING TO POLICY WORK?
IV. STARTING AN ADVOCACY COALITION
V. MAKING THE CASE TO YOUR BOARD
- Advocacy Offers a High Return on Investment and Is Cost-Effective
- Small Funders Have Unique Powers to Engage in Advocacy
VI. SEVEN STEPS FOR SUCCESS IN ADVOCACY
- Focus
- Become Knowledgeable About Your Chosen Issue or Community
- Participate, Engage and Use the Political Process
- Develop and Use Good Data
- Recruit Unexpected Messengers
- Use Messaging and the Media to Make Your Case
- Plan on Winning and Prepare for Implementation
VII. CONCLUSION: FIND YOUR VOICE, GET STARTED
VIII. APPENDICES
- Resources
- Recognizing and Using All Your Assets
- Worksheet: What You Need to Find Out: The Critical, Actionable Information
45 pages