capacity building

CCNC Foundation works to provide tools, technology, and expertise to our partners in the environmental community so that we can collectively be more effective on all of the issues we work on. Our capacity building efforts focus on how we can all more effectively engage more people who care about the environment in the policy-making and democratic process.  

How can groups engage their constituents more effectively?

List enhancement is a capacity building tool to help your organization learn more about your supporters, communicate with them more effectively and efficiently, and build a constituency actively committed to the goals of your organization.  It enables your group do more strategic advocacy, lobbying, education, and civic engagement work, as well as enhance your fundraising and volunteer recruitment efforts.  List enhancement is the process of matching a group’s membership or other list with external information, such as state voter records.  This allows organizations to function more effectively and efficiently, ultimately making the environmental community more powerful and strategic.  Contact CCNC Foundation to learn more about participating in the list enhancement project.

How can non-profits legally and effectively engage in the democratic process?

Environmental organizations (501(c)(3)s) play an important role in the policy-making process by educating and engaging citizens, and lobbying decision-makers for stronger environmental protections. But we can also play an important role in the democratic process by working, in non-partisan ways, to encourage citizens to vote and to make our issues part of the public debate. 

CCNC Foundation has effectively engaged in non-partisan voter participation work since 2000, and we've learned a lot.  Download an overview of the issues your group should be aware of when considering the roles you can play during an election.  Most importantly, a 501(c)(3) organization may not engage in partisan political activity--or do anything that can be seen to be supporting or opposing a candidate for office.  You should consult with an attorney before undertaking any election-related activities.

The Alliance for Justice is a great resource for these and other issues. Check out their publications and factsheets for additional information on legally permissible advocacy and election-related activities.