Why Strategic Philanthropy (Almost) Always Involves Advocacy

Advocacy is often the most impactful and cost-effective means of pursuing lasting, broad-based social and political change. According to a report conducted by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP), every dollar invested in advocacy, organizing, and civic engagement, yields a $115 return. Yet, many in philanthropy hesitate to employ advocacy-focused strategies due to concerns of legality.

Join us to learn how to navigate the advocacy landscape and explore how funders are leveraging their grantmaking to undertake advocacy activities and/or support advocates that are addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the city (e.g. housing, education, water). These activities include conducting policy, research, meeting with reporters, educating the public, lobbying a legislator, meeting with a government regulator, filing a lawsuit, mobilizing voters, and more.

Funders will learn:

• What makes advocacy a critical aspect of strategic philanthropy;
• How advocacy can leverage grantmaking and vice versa;
• How various grantmakers have funded advocates.

Our speakers will be:

• Brooke Hisle, Executive Director, Fund for Change
• Kristin Jurkscheit, Co-Chair, Advocacy, Baltimore Women's Giving Circle
• Glenn Schneider, Chief Program Officer, Horizon Foundation
• Jann Jackson, Senior Associate of Policy Reform and Advocacy, Annie E. Casey Foundation

Moderator: Kevin McHugh, Board Member, Helen J. Serini Foundation

This program continues Maryland Philanthropy Network’s Democracy and the Social Sector series of programs designed to stimulate conversations and action on democracy-strengthening activities at the local, state and federal level to promote effective philanthropy and build stronger communities.

This program is for Maryland Philanthropy Network members only.