Council on Foundations’ Post

This will be fun. With a ton of help from my Lumin Strategies team, we've compiled 30 days of tips for Chamber of Commerce Executives to help you step up your advocacy game. Did you know this is the perfect time to start work on your advocacy program? While every state is different, most state legislatures have concluded their work for the year, and will reconvene in January. By starting now, you can engage your volunteers, form a legislative agenda, get board approval, and budget your policy events next year. PLUS, by making plans now, you can create the sponsorship products for next year's budget. AND, you can show to your most community focused members that you are a Chamber that gets things done. When you're a Chamber that gets things done your biggest supporters will support you even more. We'll kick off our 30 days after the Independence Day holiday, and we've even curated some of our best free resources to support the tips we'll be sharing. I hope you find it helpful.

⚡ Spark change! Showcase your #nonprofit and highlight the issues your clients face in a meaningful way. Invite elected officials to tour your facilities and share your story with them. Get tips from our latest blog https://loom.ly/gCLfD90 #socent #congress #policymakers #politics #advocacy #advocate #education #awareness #community #support #policy #government #policymaking #socialjustice #changemakers #publicpolicy

Find out why NOW is the perfect moment to showcase your #nonprofit to #policymakers in our latest blog https://loom.ly/gCLfD90 #socent #congress #politics #advocacy #advocate #education #awareness #community #support #policy #government #policymaking #socialjustice #changemakers #publicpolicy

Looking 👀 for ways to build more meaningful relationships with elected officials who shape #policy that affects those your #nonprofit serves? Get actionable steps from our latest blog https://loom.ly/gCLfD90 #socent #congress #policymakers #politics #advocacy #advocate #education #awareness #community #support #government #policymaking #socialjustice #changemakers #publicpolicy

👋DYK? According to the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, the ROI of a dollar invested in #policy and civic engagement is 115%. So at this time of extreme political division in the US, why do some funders and #philanthropy overlook or shy away from effective tools for change—from awareness raising to lobbying to political campaigning? Our research suggests that #advocacy tools with different legal statuses—501(c)3 vs. 501(c)4 vs. 527—aren’t as fraught or complicated as they may seem. And the payoff for communities is huge. 📢 Here are nine ideas for how, when, and where to consider investing in advocacy efforts: 1. Support the full extent of 501(c)3 advocacy work, which includes efforts to educate the public and a limited amount of lobbying 2. Create the structure to fund 501(c)4 and 527 activities if you identify the need for unlimited lobbying (which 501(c) 4s can do) or political campaign work (which 527s can do) to reach your goals 3. Give through intermediary funding organizations and donor-advised funds as structured, efficient ways to fund across 501(c)3, 501(c)4, and 527 organizations 4. Give directly to 501(c)4s or 527s starting with organizations you know 5. Collaborate with funders and experts who share your goals to leverage collective action to make smarter investments 6. Consider opportunities to partner on issues, not along party lines as unlikely allies can increase the effectiveness of advocacy work 7. Fund at the regional level to accomplish your goals as opportunities abound for transformative impact with investment across the country at all levels of government 8. Look to organizations going beyond the norm of the highest profile elective offices to find decision-making power and to organizations that engage “low propensity” voters—disproportionately voters of color 9. Give early and stay the course so the organizations can plan beyond the ebb and flow of election cycle funding 🗣 Have you considered any of these approaches? Why or why not?

🌟 At Rise Together Consulting, Our Mission is Clear: Empower Nonprofits to Drive Lasting Change 🌟 Nonprofits are the backbone of communities, tackling challenges like substance use disorders and justice reform. But even the most passionate organizations can face roadblocks when it comes to strategy, growth, and impact. That’s where Rise Together Consulting comes in. 🎯 Our Services Include: Strategic Planning: We help organizations chart actionable paths toward their goals, ensuring every step aligns with their mission. Program Development: Together, we design programs that meet community needs, inspire innovation, and create measurable outcomes. Advocacy Campaign Guidance: From grassroots movements to legislative advocacy, we guide organizations in amplifying their voices and driving policy change. 💡 Why We Do This Work As someone who has lived and worked in the heart of these challenges, I know the transformative power of nonprofits when they have the tools, strategies, and support they need. Rise Together Consulting is built on the belief that every organization has the potential to rise above barriers and create healthier, more equitable communities. 📩 Ready to Take the Next Step? Let’s work together to strengthen your impact. Visit https://buff.ly/3PTNMYZ to learn more or send me a message to start a conversation! 💬 Let’s Connect! What are some challenges your organization is facing today? I’d love to hear from you and explore how we can rise together. #RiseTogetherConsulting #NonprofitSupport #SocialImpact #StrategicPlanning #HolisticRecovery #JusticeReform

How can your nonprofit balance political advocacy with compliance? Read more about which political activities are prohibited, and which are are allowed, maintaining your tax-exempt status.

Trump has been issuing executive orders like we pass out candy on Halloween, but the latest one has left a trail of confusion and fear across the country. Yesterday, President Trump issued an executive order freezing trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans, claiming a need to align spending with his administration’s priorities. While the order was temporarily blocked by a federal judge late Tuesday, the damage had already begun. Nonprofits, state agencies, and programs that serve millions of Americans—including seniors and low-income families—found themselves in limbo. A Medicaid portal outage left state officials unable to access federal funds, jeopardizing payments to doctors and hospitals. Childcare programs, affordable housing initiatives, and after-school programs are among those at risk, with funding disruptions forcing some to shut their doors. Here in Charlotte, I spoke with a local nonprofit leader who shared devastating news: their after-school program serving nearly 80 families has been told to cease operations. Across the country, Head Start programs, WIC offices, and community health centers are facing similar challenges. For millions of Americans, this means fewer meals, reduced access to healthcare, and increased financial instability. Despite reassurances from the White House, the freeze sent shockwaves through agencies and nonprofits that rely on federal funding to survive. As one advocate put it, “Many of them do not have the budget flexibility to keep offering the services that are needed, even for a short period of time.” These executive orders have real consequences for real people. We need clarity and accountability from our leaders—not policies that disrupt lives in the name of ideology. If you’re impacted or want to support the organizations affected, register for our email and texts to learn of ways you can support causes and advocate for change: https://lnkd.in/eSv_zvRr. 

This fight is far from over, and our communities deserve better.

#Advocacy #Nonprofits #FederalFunding #PolicyImpacts #soul2soles #soulhealing #communitycollaborative #clt #wefightback

How can your nonprofit balance political advocacy with compliance? Read more about which political activities are prohibited, and which are are allowed, maintaining your tax-exempt status.