Foundations' Investment in Advocacy Pays Off, Study Shows
by Charles S. Johnson
Billings Gazette
September 28, 2010
HELENA - When foundations invest in nonprofit advocacy and organizing efforts, it can pay off for families and communities, a new study that covers Montana concludes.
The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy of Washington, D.C., has released its study, "Strengthening Democracy, Increasing Opportunities: Impacts of Advocacy, Organizing and Civic Engagement in the Northwest Region."
"What we see in Montana as in the other states, when foundations invest in nonprofit advocacy and organizing work, it has a tangible, real benefit for families and communities," Aaron Dorfman, its executive director, said Monday.
The group looked at advocacy activities by 20 local nonprofit organizations in Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon that received a combined $23.2 million from foundations from 2005-09. Foundation-funded advocacy, which also drew support from membership dues and other local contributions, produced a return of $150 for each dollar invested, it said.
HELENA - When foundations invest in nonprofit advocacy and organizing efforts, it can pay off for families and communities, a new study that covers Montana concludes.
The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy of Washington, D.C., has released its study, "Strengthening Democracy, Increasing Opportunities: Impacts of Advocacy, Organizing and Civic Engagement in the Northwest Region."
"What we see in Montana as in the other states, when foundations invest in nonprofit advocacy and organizing work, it has a tangible, real benefit for families and communities," Aaron Dorfman, its executive director, said Monday.
The group looked at advocacy activities by 20 local nonprofit organizations in Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon that received a combined $23.2 million from foundations from 2005-09. Foundation-funded advocacy, which also drew support from membership dues and other local contributions, produced a return of $150 for each dollar invested, it said.
