Enabling good: How public affairs partners can support nonprofits in need
Nonprofit organizations are the heartbeat of social progress, working tirelessly to serve the public good, champion meaningful causes, and create lasting impact across areas like education, healthcare, research, animal welfare, and more.
At The Martin Group, our Public Affairs team is proud to partner with nonprofits that are advocating for the greater good, whether within industry sectors like restaurants or in direct service to the community at large.
We have collaborated with organizations like the New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA), Regional Food Bank, FeedMore Western New York, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, and Catholic Charities, and we understand that each mission is unique. Our team works closely with clients to amplify their purpose, tailor their messaging, and support their goals with strategic precision.
Today, many nonprofits are facing an unprecedented funding crisis. While these organizations often survive by being resourceful and resilient, stretching limited budgets to continue serving their mission should not be the norm. Budget cuts at all levels of government are pushing many into crisis mode, affecting the very groups that aim to uplift society’s most vulnerable.
The Martin Group takes its role seriously in helping nonprofits rise above these challenges. We listen, strategize, and act as a megaphone for their voices in order to engage decision-makers, shape public narratives, and help pass legislation that supports their missions. In this post, we’ll share proven strategies to empower nonprofit clients to advocate effectively, build visibility, and drive real, lasting change—even in the face of significant challenges.
Monitor legislative activity
By receiving real-time updates and strategic insights from their agency partners, nonprofit organizations can adapt their messaging and advocacy strategies that align with the evolving policy landscape. We closely monitor legislative and policy developments that could impact our clients; and our team tracks relevant bills, regulatory changes, and public policy discussions at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure our clients stay informed and prepared. This proactive approach can empower organizations to communicate effectively with lawmakers, shape public discourse, and drive meaningful change in their communities.
Pitch stories to key media and policymakers
Every nonprofit organization has a story—or hundreds of stories—to tell. To get these details in front of the public, we leverage our strong relationships with the Legislative Correspondents Association (LCA) and other influential media outlets to proactively pitch compelling stories that amplify our clients’ advocacy efforts. By crafting narratives that showcase meaningful initiatives—such as support for food banks, strategic nonprofit partnerships, and contributions to long-term hunger relief—the right public affairs partner can help position nonprofits as leaders in driving social impact. Our targeted outreach ensures these stories reach the audiences that matter most, including legislators, journalists, and thought leaders; and in doing so, we’ve been able to elevate the visibility and credibility of organizations like the Regional Food Bank, placing them at the center of critical policy and public conversations.
Strategic stakeholder engagement
Relationships matter, especially when challenges need to be navigated. And in these times when nonprofits are struggling to operate with far less financial support, relationships can mean the difference between managing or ceasing operations.Over the years, The Martin Group team has been able to leverage our strong connections—specifically within the state Capitol and across the advocacy landscape—to facilitate meaningful engagement with key stakeholders to advance our nonprofit clients’ goals.
From advising on coalition-building with aligned organizations to coordinating high-impact meetings with policymakers, we ensure that initiatives—such as the Retail-to-Retail bill or the Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Act—are thoughtfully positioned within the broader dialogue surrounding the health and sustainability of New York’s restaurant and hospitality industry. This approach helps integrate client advocacy into the policymaking process in a way that drives visibility, influence, and tangible results for organizations in need.
Thought leadership and public messaging
Beyond traditional advocacy, clients need to establish themselves as trusted thought leaders in their respective areas of interest. Through the development and placement of op-eds, white papers, and curated speaking opportunities at high-impact events, the right agency partner can elevate their voice as credible advocates for policy solutions. These efforts are designed to align seamlessly with the executive visibility strategy, reinforcing the organization’s leadership and long-term commitment to driving meaningful change—and possibly solicit interest from outside funding sources who could provide continued support of their mission.
In today’s environment, nonprofit organizations need a strategic partnership to help elevate their missions and advance their goals. Our Public Affairs team has specialized in these partnerships; and through tireless advocacy, has helped nonprofits influence policy, amplify their impact, and work through the types of funding challenges now hobbling many organizations. Whether it’s navigating complex legislation, elevating public narratives, or building coalitions that move the needle, effective partnerships can elicit the support necessary to get through hard times like these—and in time, ensure that impacted organizations adjust, survive, and continue to drive meaningful change in the communities they serve.
To learn more about The Martin Group’s extensive work with nonprofit organizations, click here.