OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
NLA and The Capacity Shop were formed shortly after the 2016 election to help the progressive movement build power through the use of multi-entity organizations.
With the support of our partners, collaborators, and generous donors and foundations, we are helping leaders fight and win critical battles where it matters most. Below are a few of our proudest accomplishments.
Ran two deeply impactful accelerator cohorts
We’ve supported 13 emerging 501(c)(4)s, nonprofit corporations, and other organizations to help them maximize their power and impact. Learn more about our two accelerator cohorts below.
NEW AMERICAN MAJORITY COHORT (2020-2021)
NLA supported seven leading progressive organizations in AZ, CO, GA, MN, TX & WI to build or scale multi-entity organizations for maximum impact in 2020. Read more.
PROGRESSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE COHORT (2017-2018)
NLA helped launch six organizations that built infrastructure to scale the progressive movement. Our cohort members revolutionized the way we deploy everything from lawyers to data and technology to volunteers in targeted races. Read more.
Empower and Protect State Pilot
Supported AZ, GA, WI 501(c)(4)s in 2020
Supported 15 Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led 501(c)(4)s to expand and run aggressive campaigns to mobilize frontline communities in 2020.
Provided access to legal teams and compliance experts.
Strengthened State Infrastructure
Formed in-state partnerships with America Votes Wisconsin, Arizona Wins, and Instituto.
Increased investment in state capacity-building infrastructure to grow 501(c)(4)s.
Facilitated Learning
Increased legal compliance expertise among operation staff.
Provided state-specific resources and training to 501(c)(4)s staff.
Resourced the Movement: Training & Technical Assistance
Timely trainings for 500+ progressive organizations
Produced Training and webinars on everything from Applying for PPP Loans to Do’s and Don’ts of Advocacy in a Contested Election to Creating Values-Based Human Resources Policies.
$2.5 million in organization-building resources
Secured and directed more than $2.5 million in capacity-building resources to progressive organizations and leaders.
Technical Assistance to more than 120+ progressive organizations.
Provided Technical Assistance to 120+ emerging and/or scaling 501(c)4s to address critical needs.
Mapped Resources & Shared Learnings with the Field
Published Learnings
Published an eye-opening whitepaper on Lessons From the Field of Progressive Power-Building on what our movement needs to do to better support power-building organizations using a variety of legal structures. Learn more.
Mapped Resources
Partnered with the Democracy Alliance and RoadMap Consulting to create an easy-to-use map of the resources, training, and technical assistance to help progressive hybrid organizations maximize their impact in 2020.
Built New Tools
Built a first-of-its-kind Organizational Assessment Tool designed to assess the capacity of hybrid organizations using multiple legal entities.
Strengthened Field Knowledge
Captured learnings on working with hybrid organizations from our key programs to share with the field.
Invested in Collaborations & Partnerships
Centered Collaboration in Our Work
Created Principles of Collaboration to guide NLA’s growing partnership work.
Expanded our Network
Broadened and deepened our bench of experts and consultants to work with hybrid organizations.
Provided Thought Leadership
In response to COVID-19, joined trusted capacity-building partners—RoadMap Consulting, Strategies for Social Change, Vision Change Win, and Information Ecology—to assess needs, create training, and provide thought-leadership.
Selected by Independent Resource Generation Hub (IRG Hub) to provide expertise on working with organizations with multiple legal entities.
Delivered Resources
Designed and delivered training and resources with Alliance for Justice’s Bolder Advocacy and other partners.
Deepened our Values & Strengthened our Organization
Renewed Values
Renewed our Organizational Values to deepen our commitment to equity and strengthen our work.
Investing in Equity
Engaged in ongoing interpersonal and organizational equity and anti-racism work with our staff and Board.
Investing to Grow
Strengthened internal infrastructure to support organizational growth.
Expanded Funding Partnerships
Funder Collaborations
Partnered with innovative 501(c)(4) funders Four Freedoms Action Fund, Grove Action Fund, and Groundswell Action Fund to invest in scaling 501(c)(4) work and infrastructure.