An often overlooked realm of nonprofit use of technology for advocacy involves access to information, not only with respect to government, but also financial information from corporations and nonprofits themselves. One way such information is used is to demonstrate the influence of special interests on public policy formulation, discourse, and decision-making, under the veneer of nonprofit public interest work and/or grassroots activity. Are there special interests hidden behind the online philanthropic policy watchdogs? The following was originally posted to the NPTalk online forum.

The real impact of the new campaing finance reform law will be influenced by two factors: the Federal Election Commission’s (FEC) decisions in writing the regulations required to implement it and the lawsuits filed by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and the National Rifle Association challenging its constitutionality.

OMB Watch responded to HHS request for public comments on guidelines for the new $30 million Compassion Capital Fund. Here is the content of our comments. OMB Watch March 29, 2002 Mr. Bobby Polito Administration for Children and Families, 6th Floor-West 370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW Washington, D.C. 20447 Re: Comments on Guildelines for Compassion Capital Fund 67 Fed. Reg. 8816 (February 26, 2002) Dear Mr. Polito,

Background About the NPT Project OMB Watch has been involved in a three-year effort called the Nonprofits' Policy and Technology (NPT) Project to provide and identify opportunities for nonprofits to: learn about and utilize newer technologies for public policy activities; improve communication and coordination between technology and public policy professionals in the nonprofit sector; and to increase the accessibility to -- and comfort level with -- these tools.