Nonprofits rarely exist in isolation. Most of us work within vibrant, sometimes crowded, ecosystems of nonprofits — and increasingly, social-impact businesses — that are all striving to address interconnected societal challenges. Whether it’s hunger relief, early childhood education, affordable housing, or racial justice, we are part of broader movements and missions that extend well beyond the walls of our individual organizations.
Yet too often, when it comes to advocacy, we go it alone. We focus on advancing the priorities of our own organization, seeking funding and policy changes specific to our programs. But the reality is clear: we are stronger together. By collaborating in joint advocacy efforts, nonprofits can amplify their voice, increase their impact, and ultimately strengthen the sustainability of their own work by advancing systemic change that benefits the whole ecosystem.
Why Joint Advocacy Matters
Your organization may be doing incredible work, but systemic challenges cannot be solved by any one nonprofit. Barriers to funding, restrictive public policies, gaps in services, and public misunderstandings of community needs all require broader interventions. Effective joint advocacy can:
Secure policy wins that remove barriers for your organization and your community.
Elevate public understanding of the issues you address, fostering greater empathy and support.
Unlock funding opportunities by drawing attention to underfunded sectors.
Build political and social capital by aligning with coalitions that have access to decision-makers.
One compelling example is Mass Alliance, a coalition of political and advocacy organizations in Massachusetts. While each member has its own mission, together they advance shared progressive values by endorsing candidates, supporting leadership development, and building collective power. Their success shows the potential of joint advocacy: what benefits the coalition strengthens each member.
Joint Advocacy Builds Organizational Resilience
Board members and staff leaders are increasingly aware that resilience is about more than internal management. As explored in It’s Time to Look Around, organizational sustainability depends on understanding your place within a broader landscape. Joint advocacy complements efforts like shared services and strategic partnerships by tackling the policy and funding environment nonprofits operate within.
When we collaborate on advocacy:
We protect the safety net by pushing back on budget cuts and harmful policies.
We expand opportunity by promoting initiatives that strengthen all our work, like increasing early childhood subsidies or expanding access to affordable housing.
We increase our credibility by speaking with a unified voice, making it easier for funders and policymakers to understand the needs of the community.
Making Joint Advocacy Work: Practical Considerations
1. Map Your Advocacy Ecosystem
Start by identifying natural allies. This may include organizations in your direct field, but also adjacent sectors that share common values. Early childhood providers, for example, may find allies in healthcare, housing, and mental health organizations. Funders and social enterprises may also be valuable partners.
2. Join or Build a Coalition
Look for existing advocacy coalitions you can join, like Mass Alliance, the National Council of Nonprofits, or local affinity groups. If none exists, consider initiating one around a specific issue or policy goal. Formal coalitions can bring infrastructure and visibility; informal alliances can offer flexibility and responsiveness.
3. Define Shared Priorities
Successful joint advocacy focuses on common ground. While your organization may have unique needs, coalitions work best when they agree on a set of shared priorities and messages. The power of the group comes from alignment, not fragmentation.
4. Commit to Showing Up
Advocacy takes time and consistency. Board members and staff leaders should allocate time to attend coalition meetings, show up for joint advocacy days, and engage in joint campaigns. Remember, your investment benefits your organization by strengthening the environment you operate in.
5. Track and Celebrate Collective Wins
It’s easy to focus only on your organization’s metrics, but celebrating coalition victories reminds your stakeholders that you are part of a broader movement. Use newsletters and donor updates to highlight how joint advocacy efforts are improving conditions for your community.
The Board’s Role in Joint Advocacy
Board members play a crucial role in joint advocacy success:
Governance leadership: Boards can help staff prioritize coalition participation by understanding its long-term value.
Network leverage: Board members often have relationships with public officials or funders that can be activated for collective goals.
Public champions: Boards can publicly represent the organization in coalition spaces, adding weight to advocacy campaigns.
Accountability partners: By asking about advocacy participation during board meetings, board members can reinforce the organization’s commitment to systems change.
Joint Advocacy Creates a Win-Win
Advocating together for the greater good doesn’t weaken your organizational identity — it strengthens it. Nonprofits that show leadership in the policy arena gain visibility, forge stronger partnerships, and increase their credibility. Funders want to invest in organizations that think strategically about long-term impact, and policymakers are more likely to respond to coalitions than to lone voices.
In an era of rising needs and limited resources, collective advocacy is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Strengthening the ecosystem your organization operates within is one of the most strategic moves you can make. It’s time to look beyond organizational boundaries and embrace the truth: when the field thrives, we all thrive.
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About the author:
I lead Interim Executive Solutions, a national organization exclusively dedicated to placing and supporting professional interim leaders for nonprofits. We get nonprofits to what's next. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcharris/
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