ERIC Number: ED578905
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Apr
Pages: 36
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Joining Forces: How the Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Consortium Is Engaging Funders in Education Policy. Principles for Effective Education Grantmaking. Case Study No. 13
Jenkins, Lynn; Johnson, Dianne
Grantmakers for Education
As 2015 came to an end, education funders in Texas were reflecting not only on the results of their grantmaking over the past year but also on what the state legislature had (and had not) accomplished during its most recent session. Thirty-four Texas funders felt a particular sense of satisfaction because they had helped shape some of the new policies through their involvement in a collaborative effort called the Texas Education Grantmakers Consortium (TEGAC). Despite their differences, they had some important things in common. They believed in the importance of collaboration. They knew that the magnitude of their grantmaking paled in comparison to the size of the state budget. They recognized that state policy could make or break their philanthropic investments. And they believed that lawmakers needed better information to guide their policymaking. This case study describes how TEGAC increased its membership and hosted its second Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Day at the Capitol to connect TEGAC members with legislators. TEGAC members were able to approach legislators about the results of two recent Children At Risk studies that showed how state budget cuts challenged the ability of many Texas districts to meet educational mandates while providing exceptional learning opportunities. The remainder of the case study traces the efforts of TEGAC and its members through early 2016, including the outcomes of their third annual Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Convening at the Capitol and their impact on legislation. [For "Investing in Change: The Walton Family Foundation Charts a New Course. Principles for Effective Education Grantmaking. Case Study No. 12," see ED578903.]
Descriptors: Consortia, Educational Policy, Advocacy, Grants, Educational Finance, State Legislation, Philanthropic Foundations, Case Studies, Legislators, Cooperation, Politics of Education
Grantmakers for Education. 720 SW Washington Street Suite 605, Portland, OR 97205. Tel: 503-595-2100; Fax: 503-595-2102; e-mail: information@edfunders.org; Web site: http://www.edfunders.org
Publication Type: Tests/Questionnaires; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Greater Texas Foundation (GTF)
Authoring Institution: Grantmakers for Education
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A