Addressing Organizational Needs through Federation Programs

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State Affinity Groups

• Addressing Organizational Needs through
  Federation Programs

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Why Put States into Groups?
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5 Affinity Group Stages
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7 Areas of Measurement
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Group 1 Potential
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Group 1 Potential

• Budget 0-10,000
• Leadership No leadership, single leader, or
  small group of leaders
• Governance Structure Unincorporated informal
  leadership, often personality based
• Physical Infrastructure no physical
  infrastructure PO Box at most
• Fundraising Capacity None or extremely limited
  self-funded by founders
• Grassroots Power Community not united for
  change or only a very small group of thoughtful,
  committed people
• Political Leverage No political leverage

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Group 2 Emerging
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Group 2 Emerging

• Budget 0-50,000
• Leadership Small group of dedicated leaders, no
  staff, shared decision-making
• Governance Structure New or pending
  incorporation bylaws and basic governance
  structure being developed
• Physical Infrastructure PO Box, may have shared
  office space, website plays central role to
  establish presence of organization voice mail
• Fundraising Capacity Often funded primarily by
  founding members fundraising inconsistent,
  erratic, and avoided
• Grassroots Power Generally no visibility yet to
  attract grassroots supporters occasionally
  leaders are remnants from prior campaign or org
• Political Leverage Individual leaders may have
  leverage, but organization itself does not have
  leverage yet

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Group 3 Transitional
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Group 3 Transitional

• Budget 50,000-200,000
• Leadership 0-2 staff, may fluctuate working
  board (not policy board) new skill sets needed
  to continue growth
• Governance Structure Bylaws and governance in
  place, though doesnt always comply with own
  rules leadership training needed board
  beginning (or needs to) transition from working
  board to policy board
• Physical Infrastructure Initial investment in
  phys. Infrastructure happens now renting office
  space, may have addresses in multiple cities
  have basic computer, phone, office equipment
• Fundraising Capacity Increased awareness of need
  to build fundraising capacity often
  inexperienced leaders trying to develop skills
  lots of ideas but inconsistent planning and
  follow-through not able to attract grants yet,
  or with consistency
• Grassroots Power Grassroots efforts have usually
  been launched but success varies depending on
  capacity at this stage, org. generally known only
  within progressive leadership circles
• Political Leverage Lobbyist at state capitol
  have begun developing relationships with
  electeds may begin endorsing candidates

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Group 4 Growing
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Group 4 Growing

• Budget 200,000-750,000
• Leadership Boards moving to policy level day
  to day decisions shifted to staff
• Governance Structure Board has better
  understanding of roles and compliance issues
  board may increase in size, skills, and
  experience secondary policies put in place
  (personnel policies, conflict of interest, etc.)
• Physical Infrastructure Established office with
  equipment and supplies for both staff and
  volunteers
• Fundraising Capacity Developing skills and
  experience development staff added increased
  diversity of sources attracting foundation
  interest
• Grassroots Power Increased visibility, just
  beginning to build lists of supporters, some
  successes in mobilizing base (lobby days,
  rallies)
• Political Leverage Small successes help build
  credibility and political power decisions become
  more strategic active in coalitions high
  profile leaders interested in associating with
  org political leverage of individual leaders
  begins transferring to organization

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Group 5 Established
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Group 5 Established

• Budget 500,000 and up
• Leadership Complex shared decision-making
  structure, clear board and staff roles
• Governance Structure Multiple legal entities
  with clear relationships and agreements between
  them consistently compliant with corporate rules
• Physical Infrastructure Able to support
  additional staffed offices technology upgrades
  possible to meet program needs
• Fundraising Capacity Dedicated fundraising
  staff board effectively fulfills fundraising
  role development plans in place for all
  entities base-building and development work
  connected, have signature events
• Grassroots Power Lists of donors, e-activists,
  volunteers, and voters outreach expanded beyond
  LGBT groups can mobilize easily and effectively
  to exert political influence
• Political Leverage Recognized as a political
  player in state endorsements sought after
  respected by key decision-makers have achieved
  significant statewide victories track record of
  success

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All Groups are Served by Federation Programs - 1
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All Groups are Served by Federation Programs - 2