A pair of studies conducted the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy shows the incredible impact which can be generated through advocacy and policy work. The studies, part of the Grantmaking for Community Impact Project and described here by Philanthropy Journal's Todd Cohen found that "Thirteen groups that work with underrepresented constituencies in North Carolina received $20.4 million from 2003 through 2007 to support advocacy and community organizing, an investment that generated benefits worth over $1.8 billion."  As Cohen points out, that's $89 in benefits for every $1 invested.  In New Mexico, the figure was nearly twice that.

It's imperative that nonprofits think critically about how best they can use their resources to create social change.  With the 1000's of organizations working towards common goals, nonprofits are often uniquely positioned with the resources, knowledge, and connections to influence public policy in substantial ways, both directly and by supporting those underrepresented voices who can be their own champions if empowered to do so.