Nonprofits as Civic Intermediaries

Abstract

Nonprofit organizations have a long-standing tradition of advocacy on behalf of their clients, particularly those that comprise underrepresented groups. However, much less is known about the roles these institutions play in empowering citizens to become active participants in the political process. This research note examines the efforts of nonprofit organizations to facilitate voting and contacting of public officials by their clientele. Results from this analysis suggest that social-service nonprofits located in urban areas are significantly more likely to encourage both voting and contacting. Findings also suggest that government funding has a positive and consistent effect on nonprofits' efforts to promote both of these forms of participation.