Nonprofit Advocacy: What, Why & How

What is public policy advocacy?

Advocacy encompasses a wide range of activities that influence decision-makers. Advocacy includes traditional activities such as litigation, lobbying, and public education. It can also include capacity building, relationship building, forming networks, and leadership development. Lobbying refers to activities that are intended to influence a specific piece of legislation.

Why should I advocate?

Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in the development and implementation of public policy to promote an informed, healthy, and strong democratic society. We witness and respond to the impact of public policies on the people we serve, whether they are patrons of the arts or residents of a homeless shelter. Few institutions are closer to the real problems of people than we are. Nonprofits can be an important bridge between policy makers and their constituents.

Effective advocacy builds your capacity to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people and communities you serve. Lobbying on legislation and engaging in public policy advocacy through voter and candidate education can also raise awareness of your organization’s mission, mobilize your constituents, and attract positive media attention.

How can nonprofits participate in advocacy and lobbying?

Nonprofits have a constitutional right and responsibility to engage in the electoral and policy-making processes. Though federal regulations require nonprofits remain strictly nonpartisan (neither supporting nor opposing candidates for elected office), there are still roles and opportunities for nonprofits to help create a strong democracy. These include: candidate forums, voter education guides, voter registration, and get-out-the-vote drives. Each of these activities is legally permissible if conducted in a strictly non-partisan matter.