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Tips for Working with Coalitions

~ Encourage grantees to look hard at their theory of change
and seriously consider whether they actually need a
coalition, or whether their advocacy goals could be better
reached by other means: partnerships or subcontracts with
one or two groups, etc.

~ The power of the coalition starts with a single, clear
and shared goal.

~ Even if financial resources will be made available for the
coalition through a grant, organizations that join the
coalition must be willing and able to commit real resources
to it: people, time and if needed money.

~ Try not to let the financial resources get in the way of
an effective coalition. Make sure that all members feel
they have enough resources to participate fully in the
coalition; if that is impossible, at least do your best to
establish a budget and disbursement process that everyone is
comfortable with.

~ Many nonprofits and even grantmakers are new to working in
coalitions for foreign policy advocacy. Allow for creativity
and innovation when determining a coalition's structure and
processes.

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