The greatest myth surrounding foundations’ public policy work is that this is synonymous with lobbying and politicians.
But, if we define engaging in public policy as working to impact public decision making, we discover that most grantmakers are engaged in public policy work, even though most either don’t define their work as such or don’t realize their efforts could be given this label. Most are not lobbying and do not come in contact with any politicians.
As Colleen Horton, program officer at the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, recently noted in her PND Commentary & Opinion article, the real question for grantmakers isn’t “Are you engaged in public policy work?,” it’s “What are you already doing?” and “Is there a more effective way to approach public policy?”
Whether foundations are engaging media – social or otherwise, educating community leaders, building networks, funding technical assistance, sharing research, supporting grassroots organizations, polling or even lobbying, they are working along a continuum of activities that influence opinions and advocate ideas that affect how we take care of individuals, communities, those we share this earth with, and the environment.
The Harvard Family Research Project, in the “User’s Guide to Advocacy Evaluation Planning” by Julia Coffman, identifies 18 advocacy and policy change activities and tactics that can yield measurable outcomes and impacts. Lobbying is only 1/18th of the list and at the far end of the continuum. Before you reach lobbying, you could venture into using social media, coalition building, supporting public service announcements, investigating an issue and identifying possible solutions, giving presentations, or even filing a lawsuit.
To read an array of additional resources and links, including an “Advocacy Toolkit: Strategies for Engaging Foundations in Advocacy,” visit MCF’s public policy resource page on its website.
Our upcoming summer issue of Giving Forum will highlight Minnesota grantmakers engaged in a diverse range of advocacy and policy change work – from the more informal to the very strategic. While their activities are varied, these funders share the common vision that, in order to broaden and deepen their philanthropic mission and strengthen the work they do and the changes they’re trying to make, they must go beyond solely writing checks.
Join the conversation: Whether you’re a nonprofit, a foundation, a voter or an elected office holder at any level of government, share information about initiatives you’re involved in that utilize some of the policy change activities mentioned above. Does it seem odd to call these “public policy work?” What are some of the challenges? How do you measure or define movement, impact, success? What does it take to be successful when engaging in public policy work? What advice would you give others?
- Chris Murakami Noonan, MCF communications associate
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