Foundations Increase Impact through Investments in Public Policy, According to New Book

St. Paul, MN (PRWeb) February 6, 2007 -- Wise foundations have figured out a new way to stretch their philanthropic dollars, according to "Power in Policy," a new book from Fieldstone Alliance, Inc, a nonprofit publishing and consulting group headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota.

In Kansas, The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation (GKCCF) got their legislature to increase early childhood education funding from $3.2 million to $8.45 million--despite a tight budget year.

In North Carolina, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation helped influence the legislature to pass the Clean Smokestacks Act, which requires power plants to significantly reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions.

And in Massachusetts, The Boston Foundation helped boost support for publicly funded early education from only 33 percent in 1999 to 73 percent in 2003.

Their secret--they all got involved in shaping public policy.

Policy has traditionally been an area untouched by foundations. But increasingly, grantmakers are finding that targeted investments in advocating for policy change can leverage dollars, allowing them to help a lot more people than they would otherwise.

"Power in Policy: A Funder's Guide to Advocacy and Civic Participation," written by top philanthropic leaders across the U.S., reveals strategies and examples of how foundations are approaching this new tack on grantmaking.

According to the book's editor, David F. Arons, "'Power in Policy' provides an all-in-one definitive resource for private and community foundations that will help them become knowledgeable, consistent, and effective in reaching mission-based objectives through public policy and civic involvement."

"Power in Policy" aims to educate and motivate. In addition to thoughtful perspectives and viewpoints on foundations role in public policy this practical book also includes:
• Real-life examples of private and community foundations funding and participating in activities that shape public policy.
• A clear, concise explanation of the legal rules of policy engagement
• A primer on evaluation of advocacy initiatives
• Practical steps for developing public policy capacity within foundations and other nonprofits, and
• A toolkit to help foundations get started and reach their potential as advocates and supporters of advocacy.

For those weighing precisely what role foundations should play, the mix of real-life examples, practical advice, and inspiration in this book are invaluable.

Among the chapter authors and contributors are Emmett D. Carson, PhD, President and CEO of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and past president of the Minneapolis Foundation and Hodding Carter III, former President of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Additional experienced leaders from private and community foundations and the organizations that support them include:

Stuart Comstock-Gay, Cynthia M. Gibson, PhD, Abby Levine, Geri Mannion, Lloyd H. Mayer, Esq., Gayle Peterson, John Sherman, Kelly Shipp Simone, David T. Abbott, Marcia Egbert, Lenore M. Hanisch, Jeff Krehely, Gara LaMarche, Patti S. Lieberman, Maria Mottola, Phil Nash, Mary O'Connell, Helen Davis Picher, Jeffrey T. Pinzino, Tony Pipa, William A. Schambra, and Brent Thompson

It can't be stated enough that efforts to shape public policy or to strengthen civic life more broadly are often long-term endeavors requiring sustained passion and investment. Success is incremental, but mission clarity, wise use of resources, and resolve will result in the kind of changes that make philanthropy all the more worthwhile.

Endorsements for "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 Gunderson, President 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

About the Editor
David F. Arons serves the nonprofit sector as an attorney, advocate, and volunteer. He was formerly co director of the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI) in Washington, DC. While at CLPI, he led a national research project known as the Strengthening Nonprofit Advocacy Project to understand factors that influence nonprofits' participation in public policymaking. David is also the coauthor of the book, A Voice for Nonprofits.

David is available for interviews and may be contacted directly at 651-226-7030.

About the Publisher
"Power in Policy" is published by Fieldstone Alliance, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening other nonprofits and the communities they support. The 320-page book is the latest in the Fieldstone Alliance "Funder's Guide" series. This series deals with various aspects of the administration of foundations and helping funders have a greater impact.

Power in Policy is available directly from the publisher at Fieldstone Alliance, 1-800-274-6024. The list price is $37.95. Discounts are available on bulk orders.

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