Power in Policy: Funder's Guide to Advoc

Power in Policy: A Funder's Guide to Advocacy and Civic Participation

Editor: Mr. David F. Arons Co-Authors: Mr. Hodding Carter III, Dr. Emmett D. Carson PhD, Dr. Stuart Comstock-Gay PhD, Dr. Cynthia M. Gibson PhD, Ms. Abby Levine, Ms. Geri Mannion, Mr. Lloyd H. Mayer Esq., Ms. Gayle Peterson, Mr. John Sherman, Kelly Shipp Simone Contributors: Mr. David T. Abbott, Ms. Marcia Egbert, Ms. Lenore M. Hanisch, Mr. Jeff Krehely, Gara LaMarche, Ms. Patti S. Lieberman, Ms. Maria Mottola, Mr. Phil Nash, Ms. Mary O'Connell, Ms. Helen Davis Picher, Mr. Jeffrey T. Pinzino, Mr. Tony Pipa, Mr. William A. Schambra, Mr. Brent Thompson
Binding Information: Softcover
Product Code: 069458
ISBN: 978-0-940069-45-9
Publisher: Fieldstone Alliance
Pages: 320
Size: 7.5" X 9.25" X .75"
Price: $37.95

Powerful tools for achieving your philanthropic mission
Why should funders try to shape public policy? Simply put, because public policy has impact on mission. And, it’s the only way to affect the laws that determine how people will be treated, what services will be provided, and what behaviors are acceptable.

But what role should foundations play? Power in Policy, written primarily by foundation practitioners for foundations, is the first book that:

Makes a strong case for why advocacy and civic participation are fundamental roles for foundations
Shares insights, lessons, and perspectives from foundation leaders and legal and philanthropic experts on how to engage in, talk about, and incorporate advocacy into philanthropy—and the nature of their role in the policymaking arena
Answers frequently asked questions including, “How does my foundation assess various risks?” “How do we organizationally prepare for public policy work, and develop partnerships and advocacy strategies?”
Gives rich case stories of how private and community foundations—including large and small foundations—are meeting their missions through public policy and civic activity
Presents clearly and concisely key policy principles, legal rules, and evaluation methods
Provides a toolkit for foundations to develop the capacity to engage in advocacy at their own speed and resource level

Practical and easy-to-access
This book is divided into six parts: three major sections and three appendices. You don’t need to start at the beginning and read to the end. Start at the chapter most useful to you and your organization.

The chapters correspond to frequently asked questions by foundations. Chapter 3 is especially for small foundations, Chapter 7 is especially for private foundations, and Chapter 8 is especially for community foundations. All other chapters are for both private and community foundations but make important distinctions between them as appropriate.

How to get involved
From big picture concerns—like the risks and rewards of advocacy—to specifics such as legal rules, this guide shows what advocacy means in terms of work and outcomes and how foundations can develop and launch their own public policy activities.

Power in Policy is a must-have for foundations who want to have a long-term impact on the communities and causes they care about.

Quotes:
What others are saying about Power in Policy...

“Philanthropic leadership in the twenty-first century demands that we become more involved in the public policy process. This book is essential in understanding the issues, and how to be an effective community leader and informed advocate.”
—Steve GundersonPresident and CEO, Council on Foundations

“This collection of ideas and proven strategies amounts to a hand-held think tank. A riveting and deeply rewarding read—it’s a great resource for anyone interested in economic and community growth and renewal.”
—Paul S. Grogan, President and CEO, The Boston Foundation

“Through our public policy grantees, we have seen policies enacted that can improve the health of far more Californians than we could ever hope to have reached through funding direct service alone. If the achievement of your mission requires changes in public policy, pick up this guide. It will help you navigate the challenges.”
—Gary L. Yates, President and CEO, The California Wellness Foundation

“Just what the philanthropy doctor ordered. Provides a persuasive argument why foundations must change their attitude if they are to preserve and strengthen our civil society and democracy.”
—Pablo Eisenberg, Senior Fellow, Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership, Georgetown Public Policy Institute, author of Challenges for Nonprofits and Philanthropy: The Courage to Change

Table Of Contents:
Foreword by Hodding Carter
Introduction by David F. Arons

SECTION 1 Viewpoints on Foundation,Civic, and Policy Engagement
1. On Foundations and Public Policy: Why the Words Don’t Match the Behavior by Emmett D. Carson, PhD
The Case for Foundations and Public Policy
Impediments to Engaging in Public Policy
Take a Look in the Mirror

2. Philanthropic Leaders’ Views on Foundations and Public Policy Participation
Philanthropy, Public Policy, and the Public Good by William A. Schambra
When Foundations Should Lead—and When They Should Get Out of the Way by Gara LaMarche
Effective Grantmaking for Policy Change: Lessons from the Right by Jeff Krehely
Funding “Upstream” for Success by David T. Abbott and Marcia Egbert
Conclusion

3. Small Foundations, Public Policy, and Strategic Impact
The New York Foundation Converts Guiding Principles to Policy Engagement by Maria Mottola
Using Public Policy Grants to Increase Effectiveness: A Small Foundation’s Story by Tony Pipa
At A.L. Mailman Family Foundation, Advocacy Is an Essential Piece of Business by Patti S. Lieberman
At Quixote Foundation, Public Policy Is Core by Lenore M. Hanisch
Conclusion

SECTION 2 Foundations in Public Policy and Civic Activity: Language, Process, Strategy, and Examples
4. Advocacy Language by David F. Arons, Abby Levine, and Kelly Shipp Simone
Lobbying Versus Advocacy
Conclusion

5. Public Policy and Civic Engagement: Foundations in Action by David F. Arons
Putting Strategies to Use
Mini Case Studies—Examples of Using Public Policy Strategies Together
Foundation involvement in welfare reform by Mary O’Connell
Woods Fund of Chicago funds campaign to aid immigrants by Jeffrey T. Pinzino
Rose Community Foundation funds an effort to transform teacher compensation by Phil Nash
Conclusion

6. A Step-by-Step Approach to Building Capacity and Public Policy Strategy for Foundations by David F. Arons, Abby Levine, and Kelly Shipp Simone
Step 1: Choose an Advocacy Mindset
Step 2: Recognize the Public Policy Dimensions to Foundation Work
Step 3: Develop Public Policy Awareness
Step 4: Assess the Foundation’s Personality Type
Step 5: Assemble the Public Policy Team
Step 6: Establish Principles for Public Policy and Civic Participation
Step 7: Use Collaborations, Partnerships, and Other Resources
Step 8: Prioritize Issues
Step 9: Build a Strategy
Step 10: Determine Political Risk
Step 11: Allocate Resources
Step 12: Execute and Chronicle Strategy
Conclusion

7. Private Foundations: Encouraging Support for Advocacyby Cynthia M. Gibson, PhD, and Geri Mannion
How Funding Advocacy Leverages Investments
How Do We Change Funders’ Attitudes Toward Advocacy?
What Can Nonprofits Do to Encourage More Funders to Support Advocacy?
Beyond Understanding: Incorporating Advocacy into Grantmaking
Foundation and Nonprofit Leaders Must Work Together
Conclusion

8. Community Foundations and Public Policy by Stuart Comstock-Gay
Developing a Public Policy Orientation in the Board
Developing a Public Policy Orientation among Donors
Choosing Your Issues
Risks and How to Minimize Them
Building Policy Expertise
Stories of Successful Initiatives
Conclusion

9. The Legal Rules for Public Policy and Civic Impact by Foundations by Lloyd H. Mayer, Esq
Part 1. What Private Foundations Need to Know about the Law
Part 2. What Community Foundations Need to Know about the Law
Part 3. The Expenditure Test: Taking the 501(h) Election
Conclusion

10. Evaluating Public Policy Grantmaking by John Sherman and Gayle Peterson
Why Evaluate?
How Evaluation Works
Considerations and Cautions Distinct to Evaluation of Public Policy Related Projects
Evaluation Tools and Approaches
What to Consider When Hiring an Evaluator
Conclusion

The Power of Public Policy

Appendices
A. Toolkit
B. Examples of Foundation Public Policy and Civic Activity
Public Policy Shaping Activities
Civic Strengthening Activities
Advocacy as Part of Strategic Philanthropy
Why and how the William Penn Foundation seeks to influence public policyby Brent Thompson
C. Resources, Organizations, and Publications
Articles, Books, and Reports
Web Resources
Organizations
About the Chapter Authors and Contributors
Index