Gary Bass Featured in Philanthropy News Digest on the Support of Nonprofit Advocacy
by Amanda Adams*, 7/8/2008
Philanthropy News Digest had a "5 Questions For" column with OMB Watch Executive Director Gary Bass. The questions addressed nonprofit advocacy, particularly how philanthropic support of advocacy is changing. During which, Bass commends a new report on the topic from Atlantic Philanthropies.
He states that a question that continues to stir confusion is whether you can still lobby if you receive public-sector funds and questions on nonpartisan voter engagement.
I firmly believe that from his bully pulpit, the new president, whether it is McCain or Obama, should strongly encourage nonprofits to be involved in a broad range of advocacy activities. I also think foundations have a crucial role to play in helping nonprofits express their voice and in creating a positive framework for change in America. You can't sustain the kind of change I'm talking about — big-vision change — with bake sales.
