This study is based on more than 100 interviews, three surveys, three case studies, four coalition profiles, and a detailed examination of the sector’s track record and approach to public policy advocacy on sector-wide issues.
Based on this study, Independent Sector has launched an ongoing educational initiative to share the findings at IS member events and conferences across the country, starting with Detroit, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, and at the IS Public Policy Action Institute and 2012 IS Annual Conference Nov. 10-12 in San Francisco. Learn more.
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| Download Full report includes all section listed below. |
Download Highlights include executive summary, section summaries & recommendations. |
Read an Open Letter to the Nonprofit and Philanthropic Sector.
Or follow links below to download or print individual sections of Beyond the Cause. (Revised Edition Nov. 2012)
| Download | |
| Introductory Section |
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| Executive Summary | |
| Preface | |
| Table of Contents, List of Charts, and Acknowledgements | |
| Section I: Essentials of Successful Advocacy | |
| Summary: Essentials of Successful Advocacy | |
| Infographic: Beyond the Cause: The Art and Science of Advocacy | |
| Literature Review: Elements of Nonprofit Advocacy | |
| Case Study – Human Rights Campaign | |
| Case Study – Americans for Tax Reform | |
| Case Study – General Electric | |
| Case Study – Coalitions | |
| Section II: Sector-Wide Advocacy and Policy Issues | |
| Perceptions of Advocacy Effectiveness Regarding Sector-Wide Issues | |
| Network Maps of Organizations Engaged in Sector-Wide Advocacy | |
| Issue Paper – Nonprofit Tax Exemptions | |
| Issue Paper – Charitable Tax Deductions | |
| Issue Paper – Advocacy & Lobbying Rules for Public Charities & Private Foundations | |
| Issue Paper – IRS Form 990 and 990-PF | |
| Issue Paper – Government-Nonprofit Contracting | |
| Issue Paper – Government- Funded Research on the Nonprofit Sector | |
| Section III: Recommendations for Organizations Engaged in Sector-Wide Advocacy | |
| Appendices | |
| Appendix A: Rules Nonprofit Advocacy Lobbying and Political Activity | |
| Appendix B: Sector-Wide Public Policy Issues | |
| Appendix C: Highlights of Survey Results | |
| Appendix D: Methodology | |
| Appendix E: Bibliography | |
This project was made possible by the generous support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
