Why Your Nonprofit Can't Afford to Sit Out of Advocacy

If you're like most nonprofit leaders, the word "advocacy" might make you a little uncomfortable. Maybe you worry about alienating donors, jeopardizing your 501(c)(3) status, or getting pulled into political battles that feel far removed from your mission. You're not alone—recent research shows that only 31% of nonprofits surveyed in 2022 reported engaging in advocacy or lobbying in the last five years, down from 74% in 2000.

But here's the truth: stepping back from advocacy might be the riskiest move your organization can make.

The Silent Crisis in the Nonprofit Sector

While nonprofits have been quietly retreating from the public policy arena, the needs of the communities they serve have only grown more urgent. As one advocacy expert bluntly put it: "If you don't have a seat at the table, then you're probably on the menu."

Consider this: approximately 30% of overall nonprofit revenue comes from federal or state governments. When public budgets are being decided and policies affecting your constituents are being shaped, your silence could mean losing critical funding or watching programs that serve your community get cut.

What Advocacy Actually Means (And Why You're Probably Already Doing It)

Let's clear up a common misconception: advocacy and lobbying aren't the same thing. Lobbying is just one form of advocacy—and it's actually the only place you need to worry about IRS rules.

Advocacy is much broader. It includes educating policymakers about your work, sharing how policies affect the people you serve, building coalitions with other organizations, and helping your community understand important issues. These activities aren't just allowed—they're encouraged by the federal government.

The National Council of Nonprofits points out that everyday advocacy happens when you tell a funder your organization's story, talk to a reporter about your community impact, or encourage civic groups to volunteer at your events. If you're already doing these things, you're already an advocate.

Why Advocacy Matters for Your Mission

Here's what makes nonprofit advocacy uniquely powerful:

You bridge the knowledge gap. As the Nonprofit Chamber explains, nonprofits provide a crucial link between abstract public policy and the lived experiences of those affected by it. You see firsthand how programs work on the ground and can provide policymakers with insights they simply can't get from survey data alone.

You amplify voices that would otherwise go unheard. Standing alone, individuals with limited resources struggle to influence policy. Nonprofits serve as the great equalizer, bringing people together so their collective voice carries weight. You speak for children, people experiencing poverty, endangered species, and others who can't advocate for themselves.

You create systemic change. Many organizations eventually realize they can't achieve large-scale impact through service delivery alone. When you secure policy changes or protect funding streams, you create lasting improvements that extend far beyond what any single program could accomplish.

The Organizational Benefits You Might Be Missing

Beyond advancing your mission, advocacy strengthens your organization in tangible ways:

Increased impact attracts support. Volunteers and donors are drawn to organizations tackling root causes and creating systems-level change. When you demonstrate that you're working on the big picture, not just treating symptoms, you become more compelling to supporters seeking meaningful impact.

Building coalitions multiplies your influence. Real change rarely happens in isolation. Advocacy creates opportunities to connect with organizations sharing similar goals, helping you think and act as part of a sector rather than working in silos.

You protect what matters most. By staying engaged with policymakers, you can defend your mission from threats like harmful regulations, funding cuts, or policies that negatively impact the people you serve.

Taking the First Step

You don't need to launch a major lobbying campaign tomorrow. Start small:

• Share your impact reports with local lawmakers

• Invite elected officials to see your work firsthand

• Encourage newsletter subscribers to register to vote

• Join coalitions already working on issues you care about

• Build relationships with policymakers year-round, not just during elections

Remember, advocacy isn't about getting political—it's about fulfilling your mission more effectively. Every time you educate someone about the issues you work on, every time you share data about community needs, every time you bring stakeholders together to solve problems, you're advocating.

Your expertise matters. Your community's experiences matter. The question isn't whether you can afford to engage in advocacy—it's whether you can afford not to.

Ready to strengthen your advocacy efforts? Start by reviewing these helpful resources: National Council of Nonprofits' Everyday Advocacy Guide, Candid's Guide to Policy Advocacy, and Community Commons' Introduction to Advocacy.