The Impact of Funding on Nonprofit Coalition Advocacy

May 18, 2016 – As the influence of wealthy special interests continues to grow in U.S. politics, nonprofits have the potential to play important roles in public policy advocacy by amplifying the voices of the marginalized. Yet nonprofits face resource, legal, and mission constraints which limit their advocacy engagement. This white paper explores how coalitions can help nonprofits overcome collective action barriers to engage in advocacy. Through a qualitative comparison of nonprofit health coalitions in three states—Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia—this paper considers the impact of funding on the purposes, lifecycles, and membership of nonprofit coalitions.

The paper is based on Dr. Boyarski’s dissertation, Whose Voice is Being Heard?: The Role of Nonprofit Coalitions in Policy Advocacy. Access the white paper.