Research on Nonprofit Advocacy and Lobbying

To better understand how nonprofits engage in public policy, OMB Watch, Tufts University, and the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest embarked on the Strengthening Nonprofit Advocacy Project (SNAP) in 2000. Based on a national survey of 1,738 nonprofits, interviews with 45 survey respondents, and 17 focus groups, the researchers found that:

-About 75% of respondents have participated in public policy activity

-Frequency of policy participation, however, is "inconsistent and generally low"

-Nonprofits have a negative view toward the word "lobbying" and prefer "educating" policymakers

-Barriers to policy work include financial resources, tax laws, and staff expertise

-Foundation funding for advocacy and is often "limited and inconsistent"

Detailed results from the multi-year research project, including recommendations for the sector, can be found in the Aspen Institute's publication:

Seen But Not Heard: Strengthening Nonprofit Advocacy (2007)
Authors: Gary D. Bass, David F. Arons, Kay Guinane, Matthew F. Carter and Susan Rees.