What was
the chief method used
to achieve the stated goals?
| A categorization
of the primary method or tool used is very
difficult and probably somewhat arbitrary. Most
grants used a variety of tools, but this analysis
attempts to identify the primary tool. Still, a
strong preference for shorter term, results
oriented methods over more long term education
and values changing activities was clear. This
emphasis is embodied in our guidelines in the
statement that the NW Fund does not support
"purely educational activities". If education and research are considered activities with long term, indirect results and all other tools as aiming at short term, direct results, then the split is approximately 17% long term or indirect and 83% short term or direct efforts. The large increase in grants with an educational theme in 1997 is noteworthy. It is also clear that litigation is a preferred method of achieving results with about 25% of all grants using a litigation strategy as their primary tool. This is closely followed in number, and about equal in total amount, by activities where multiple methods were used. The emphasis on litigation has been traditional for the NW Fund from its earliest days in 1971. Negotiations and regulatory oversight and grassroots organizing and training efforts also received a substantial number of grants. |