Philanthropy and family violence policy: One funder's experience

At the urging of state organizations, the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research (NCCPPR) conducted a study of the key public policy issues affecting victims of domestic violence in North Carolina. The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust (KBRCT), a foundation that provides approximately $18 million in health care funding annually in North Carolina, provided a one-year grant of $82,500 for the study.

The study detailed the extent of domestic violence in North Carolina. Demand for services is rising. In 2003, 44,895 victims sought help through one of 90 local domestic violence agencies, a 27% increase over five years. The study also outlined gaps in services including that family courts are available in only 16 of the state's 100 counties.

With the funding from KBRCT, NCCPPR published an 89-page report that was distributed statewide to over 1,500 media outlets, NCCPPR members, and contributors.

The study made nine policy recommendations including (1) expanding the family court model and (2) creating a joint House and Senate study commission in the NC General Assembly. The North Carolina legislature approved a bill later in 2005 that enacted both of these recommendations. NCCPPR will continue to work for passage and implementation of other policy recommendations.

Through its partnership with an independent, non-partisan organization, KBRCT raised the level of public debate about domestic violence that led to positive policy changes in the field. Private foundations can play a role in successful efforts to develop public health policy.