By Mindie Reule
Philanthropy Northwest
September 30, 2010
One of the highlights for me today was the national release of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) report about the importance of investing in advocacy. The study shows that strong philanthropic investment in advocacy, organizing, and civic engagement reaps billions of dollars in benefits for underserved communities.
As Carol Lewis astutely said, Philanthropy Northwest's members are committed to making investments that improve lives and build community commitment – which has become even more important during this economic downturn. The NCRP report illustrates how funders have successfully achieved this goal by lifting up the voices of marginalized communities, allowing people to fully participate in the democratic process and advocate on their own behalf.
Aaron Dorfman presented the findings to a packed room of more than 70 funders, and the people in the room were very excited to discuss the topic. I hope this report will help more foundations in the Northwest consider or start to fund advocacy and civic engagement.
