In an essay published online today by The Chronicle of Philanthropy , a United Ways of Texas exec, Jason Sabo, warns that “nonprofits are caught in the political crossfire” of budget cuts and shrinking expectations.
Echoing our recents posts and The Law Firm for Non-Profits‘ most recent newsletter, Mr. Sabo admonishes nonprofits that, to survive, they “must put all timidity aside and engage in the political game. The future they save very well could be their own.”
I can’t agree more. For many nonprofits, advocacy is one of the most important tools they can use to achieve their exempt purposes.
Great resources abound for nonprofits that want to lobby. Two of the best sources are Alliance for Justice and the National Council of Nonprofits. As Mr. Sabo says, don’t be timid about lobbying to protect your interests … and survive.