The Art and Science of Health Grantmaking Policy and Advocacy Grantmaking

1. The Art and Science of Health GrantmakingPolicy and Advocacy Grantmaking Susan T. Sherry Community CatalystCambridge, MA September, 2005

2. Community Catalyst is a national nonprofit advocacy organization working to build a health justice movement. We are innovators who look for breakthrough opportunities to improve health care for all Americans. We develop new approaches to strengthen the voice of consumers and communities, organize vulnerable constituencies and coalitions for access and quality improvements, and build effective advocacy organizations for healthcare reform. The Community Catalyst staff – who include experts in health policy, organizational development, community organizing, law, communications, and strategic planning – provide advice, information, and tools that enable communities, consumer groups, foundation and policymakers to lead health system change. Community Catalyst, Inc. 30 Winter Street, 10th Fl. Boston, MA 02108 617-338-6035 Fax: 617-451-5838 www.communitycatalyst.org Electronic copies of this presentation are available by calling 617-275-2892. Organizations seeking to distribute or otherwise make widespread use of this publication are asked to notify Community Catalyst. Community Catalyst / 2005

3. Politics is the negotiating process by which a civil society decides who gets what, when, and how. In other words, politics is the process that produces policy. Community Catalyst / 2005

4. Why fund policy advocacy? • Long-term sustainable solutions • Bring effective programs to scale • Leverage foundation dollars • Reach much larger numbers of people than direct service or philanthropy can Community Catalyst / 2005

5. Kindgon’s Open Window Model • PROBLEM STREAM • Recognition that there is problem that demands attention • Focusing event, systemic indicator, feedback Community Catalyst / 2005

6. Kindgon’s Open Window Model • POLICY STREAM • Policy alternatives (short list) – needs to be available • “Softening up” period in policy community and public = persuasion • Technically feasible, fits values, anticipates constraints Community Catalyst / 2005

7. Kindgon’s Open Window Model • POLITICAL STREAM • Favorable political climate for solution – general public and the active sectors • Balance of organized political forces • Government participants • Bargaining Community Catalyst / 2005

8. Community Catalyst / 2005

9. ELEMENTS OF ADVOCACY – CORE CAPACITIES • Policy Analysis and Research • Credible data and analysis – description of problems and solutions • Analyze and respond to other proposals in timely manner • Incorporated into grassroots public education and media activities Community Catalyst / 2005

10. ELEMENTS OF ADVOCACY – CORE CAPACITIES • Grassroots Organizing and Engagement • Identify and engage individuals at local community level • Provide timely information and training • Support local activities – meetings with policymakers, local news stories Community Catalyst / 2005

11. ELEMENTS OF ADVOCACY – CORE CAPACITIES • Coalition Building and Maintenance • Develop diverse coalition including governance process • Assure regular communication • Manage shifting interests and build trust Community Catalyst / 2005

12. ELEMENTS OF ADVOCACY – CORE CAPACITIES • Message and Media Relations • Develop coordinated message – with polling and other support • Media systems – lists, working relationships • Event – reports linked with human stories • Train and engage grassroots Community Catalyst / 2005

13. ELEMENTS OF ADVOCACY – CORE CAPACITIES • Political Strategy and Advocacy • Ongoing communications with government officials • Track and report on developments • Provide timely information Community Catalyst / 2005

14. ELEMENTS OF ADVOCACY – CORE CAPACITIES • Fundraising/Development • Resources development – mix of financial support and in-kind Community Catalyst / 2005

15. ELEMENTS OF ADVOCACY – CORE CAPACITIES • Policy Analysis and Research • Grassroots Organizing and Engagement • Coalition Building and Maintenance • Message and Media Relations • Political Strategy and Advocacy • Fundraising/Development Community Catalyst / 2005

16. Lessons About Advocacy Funding Ruth Holton, California Wellness Foundation • Core operating support provides important flexibility • Engaging grassroots is important ingredient of successful advocacy • Demystifying the policy process is key to engaging community members • Community member engagement has long-term benefits Community Catalyst / 2005