Why GR Matters for Non-Profits
Between service delivery, fundraising, and marketing the day-to-day management of a non-profit can appear to leave little room for government relations (GR). Oftentimes, GR is an afterthought, something sought out in moments of change or during a crisis. But government relations is about more than responding to last-minute budget cuts or policy U-turns. When done correctly an effective GR strategy can help position your organisation as a key government partner before crisis hits.
What is Government Relations?
Simply put GR is the process of communicating with government to influence decision-making and help your organization advance its mission. Whether you are seeking to influence public policy, receive funding, or simply increase your advocacy efforts, engaging with government is essential to your success. Effective engagement includes building relationships with the departments and officials that matter most for your organisation. This means understanding the different levels of government, their roles, and their relationship to your work.
Why it matters?
The government and your organisation are partners and rely on each other in many ways. Governments shape the legal framework in which NGOs operate, provide funding for services, and help create enabling policy environments. Meanwhile, NGOs are important government allies in delivering services and helping inform public policy. Given this dependency, it is important to craft a GR strategy that will allow your organisation to succeed.
Becoming a key stakeholder
GR can help position your organisation as a key partner the government turns to for assistance when developing policies or delivering services. The first step is to build relationships and increase knowledge about your organisation so that officials can champion your work.
It’s also important to understand policy positions and the political landscape so you can articulate how your work can help the government achieve its priorities. Understanding the government's needs and translating your work to address those needs is the key to becoming indispensable.
Steps you can take in creating a GR strategy:
Identify key government stakeholders
Where does your funding come from?
Which departments/ ministries oversee your work?
Which levels of government have the most influence over your success?
Engage with stakeholders most important to your success
Share your priorities and goals with government officials to keep them informed
Remain appraised on key policy positions and the political climate
At New West, we help clients connect with government and shape decisions. If you are looking for support in developing a government relations strategy, reach out. We would be happy to talk.