Foundation Increases Emphasis on Policy and Advocacy
Rochelle Williams | Vice President, Strategy and Programs
For many decades, the Mary Black Foundation has invested grant dollars in improving the health and well-being of young people, but in late 2023, the board voted to sharpen its focus on children as a sole priority. The Foundation’s leaders are working to prioritize grantmaking strategies for bringing the new focus to life – to be shared later this year. However, we already know that to have the greatest impact on children and their families, the Foundation must play a larger role in influencing the policies and processes that shape young lives.
The decisions made by local, state, and federal governments have a major influence on the schools, neighborhoods, economies, and health systems that children rely on. Collaborating with governmental institutions and investing in better access to decision making by partner organizations will help the Foundation drive progress toward improved outcomes.
On an annual basis, the Foundation will create a policy and advocacy plan that utilizes a variety of approaches, such as the following:
- Advocacy – Identifying policy priorities that advance the Foundation’s mission and sharing the policy priorities of our partners.
- Convening – Bringing nonprofit partners and policymakers together to seek collaborative solutions.
- Grantmaking – Providing general support grants to organizations that advocate for efforts that advance the Foundation’s mission.
- Capacity Building – Funding training and education to build the capacity of grantees to advocate and lobby.
- Research and Education – Creating a continuous learning agenda for understanding the policy levers that support improved health outcomes and sharing what we learn with community members and policy makers.
