Shaping education policy: The importance of clarity, commitment, and consensus building

Abstract

This article describes how foundations in Ohio joined together in a sustained, strategic effort to influence state public policy to improve education, and it reviews the progress that was achieved. The authors detail activities over the past seven years by the Ohio Grantmakers Forum and its Educational Advisory committee. This approach was effective because it adhered to a well-defined agenda, recognized the long-term nature of pursuing policy change, and leveraged members' traditional strength as conveners. The engagement of the coalition ultimately established the philanthropic sector as a respected and credible voice for education reform in Ohio.