Charity Versus Innovation
The response by US foundations to federal welfare reform in the 1990s illuminates their role in policy development.
Advocacy - Articles
Innovative ways to influence public policy (more)
A Chorus for Wildlife
How World Wildlife Fund helped organize a global clarion call to stop wildlife crime.
The Power of Simple
How the Natural Resources Defense Council effectively unearthed and reframed compelling research to raise public awareness and effect policy change around food waste.
A Map to Effective Communications
How the California Heath Care Foundation sparked statewide change by “showing” rather than “telling” its data, making use of existing partnerships, and funding what works.
Crowdsourcing the Future of a Social Movement
How an innovative campaign lifted up the voices of people across the United States to help inform movement leaders about the hopes, fears, and ideas of the LGBTQ community.
Philanthropy as the Backbone for Collective Impact
Funders serving as central node for a cross-sector, collaborative network have unique advantages for success in an advocacy environment.
Dismantling “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
How the Palm Center used long-term, strategic communications to break down a widely held belief and overturn a discriminatory Pentagon policy.
Translating Research into Action
There is no doubt that social change efforts are accelerated by data, but investing in high-quality, cutting-edge research alone isn’t enough to produce solutions. Funders and researchers have to invest more in translating research into action.
Engaging Unexpected Champions for Policy Change
How advocacy organizations working across the political spectrum can engage seemingly unlikely messengers to advance their cause.
The Case for Communications
How smart, strategic communications can help nonprofits and foundations win.