How Making Noise Is A Good Thing: The Power of Advocacy in Securing Grants

In the world of grants, success at scale often follows advocacy. While many grant seekers spend hours meticulously perfecting applications and assembling data, one essential element is frequently overlooked: advocacy and public awareness. Whether it’s fighting for increased funding or rallying public support for a cause, advocacy can play a pivotal role in not only raising awareness but also in driving real financial support from governments, corporations, and foundations.

A great example of how advocacy led to an influx of funding is in the realm of domestic and family violence. Recent government commitments, especially in Australia, have been strongly driven by years of advocacy, community movements, and media attention. This story is not unique to domestic violence—history has shown us that when issues garner enough public attention and advocacy, funding often follows (take the climate as another example, where only now after years of noise is the Government throwing funds towards this crucial cause).

So, how can nonprofits and social change organisations harness the power of advocacy to secure the grants they need? This article will explore the critical connection between advocacy and grant funding and offer practical steps on how to make “noise” work for your organisation.

The Role of Advocacy in Driving Funding

When issues are brought into the public consciousness through sustained advocacy, they are far more likely to receive financial attention from grantmakers and governments.

Take the example of domestic and family violence in Australia. For years, domestic violence was seen as a hidden issue, one that occurred behind closed doors and wasn’t a matter for public discussion. However, thanks to the tireless work of organisations and advocates like Rosie Batty and the White Ribbon Foundation and the horrifying stories that captured public attention, the Australian government was compelled to act. Years of advocacy, public campaigns, and pressure finally broke through, and today we see substantial government funding being directed toward tackling this issue.

In 2021, the Australian government announced a $78 million funding package to combat domestic and family violence, including $60 million in grants over the next three years to support emergency accommodation, victim support services, and community education programs. This commitment came only after years of community groups raising their voices to demand action​ (Western Australian Government).

The lesson? Advocacy is not just about making noise—it’s about making noise in the right way, to the right people, for the right reasons.

Why Advocacy is a Game-Changer for Grant Seekers

• Public Advocacy Brings Attention to Unfunded Causes
  One of the key reasons advocacy is so essential in the grants space is that it raises awareness about issues that may not have traditionally attracted attention. Domestic violence funding, for example, would not have reached its current levels without sustained advocacy from the sector.Similarly, nonprofits working in lesser-known fields (such as environmental sustainability, minority rights, or education) can increase their chances of securing funding by bringing public attention to their cause through advocacy. This can take the form of campaigns, media exposure, or collaborations with other organisations to elevate the conversation.

• Grantmakers Respond to Advocacy
  When an issue gains public traction, grantmakers often respond. Foundations and corporate donors like to align their giving with current social trends and causes that have significant momentum. Advocacy helps to frame your issue in a way that resonates with funders, showing that the cause is not only important but also timely and relevant.For example, in 2023, the Australian government committed over $194 million to domestic violence services over five years. This funding increase came after significant media coverage and public campaigns highlighting the urgency of the issue. Advocacy played a crucial role in driving these financial commitments .

How to Integrate Advocacy into Your Grant Strategy

So, how can your organisation effectively integrate advocacy into its grant-seeking strategy? Here are a few practical steps to get started:

1. Amplify Your Cause Through Media Exposure

Media exposure is one of the fastest ways to bring attention to your cause. By increasing your organisation’s visibility in the media, you not only raise awareness but also establish credibility with potential funders. Regularly issuing press releases, securing interviews, and engaging with journalists are great ways to get started.

For example, if your nonprofit is focused on mental health, you could create a campaign around mental health awareness month, release new research or insights, or share stories from beneficiaries. By tying your cause to broader societal trends and national discussions, you increase your chances of getting noticed by funders.

2. Build a Strong Online Presence

In today’s digital age, advocacy extends beyond traditional media. Social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter can be powerful tools for driving your advocacy campaigns. Nonprofits that actively engage with their audience online, share updates about their impact, and highlight the importance of their work are more likely to attract attention from funders.

Moreover, by linking your advocacy efforts to timely issues—whether it’s climate change, education inequality, or healthcare reform—you create a narrative that funders will want to align with.

3. Form Collaborative Partnerships

Collaboration is key when it comes to advocacy. Partnering with other nonprofits, government agencies, or corporate sponsors can amplify your message and demonstrate that your cause is part of a larger, united effort. Collaborative advocacy efforts also tend to carry more weight with funders, as they signal that multiple stakeholders are invested in the cause’s success.

For example, organisations working in the domestic violence sector have often partnered with housing services, mental health professionals, and legal assistance programs to provide comprehensive care to survivors. Funders are far more likely to back initiatives that demonstrate strong partnerships, as they offer a more holistic approach to tackling complex social issues.

The Power of Persistence

Advocacy takes time. The domestic violence sector, for instance, didn’t see its funding revolution overnight. It took years of hard work, persistence, and collective action. If your nonprofit is struggling to secure funding, consider where and how your voice can be amplified.

As domestic violence advocates learned, persistence pays off. For your own cause, whether it’s environmental sustainability, education, or healthcare reform, continue to be vocal about the issues that matter most to your organisation. Your voice could be the tipping point that brings your cause the attention—and funding—it deserves.

Examples of Recent Grants in Domestic and Family Violence

To further highlight how advocacy leads to funding, here are some examples of recent domestic and family violence grants in Australia:

• National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children: A $2.1 billion investment over five years, focusing on prevention, early intervention, response, and recovery.

• Women’s Safety Package: A $328 million package that includes emergency housing, legal support, and grants for organisations providing frontline services.

• Victoria Family Violence Housing Assistance: Over $40 million allocated for additional housing and services for victims of domestic violence, announced in 2023 .

These grants showcase how sustained advocacy efforts have resulted in significant funding commitments from the government.

Conclusion: Advocacy Fuels Change and Unlocks Funding

Advocacy is one of the most powerful tools at a nonprofit’s disposal. By raising awareness and driving public conversation around critical issues, organisations can influence funders and unlock the financial resources they need to create meaningful impact.

As the domestic violence example demonstrates, sustained and focused advocacy can lead to an influx of funding that can change the landscape of social issues. So, don’t be afraid to make noise, raise your voice, and fight for your cause. The funding will follow.

For nonprofits ready to take the next step, consider how your advocacy strategy can be integrated into your grant applications. By aligning your message with current social trends and driving public attention to your cause, you’ll increase your chances of securing the support your organisation needs to make a lasting difference.

If you’re unsure how to get started, Grant’d is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your grant strategy and find out how advocacy can amplify your voice in the funding space.