OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

NLA and The Capacity Shop were formed shortly after the 2016 election to help the progressive movement build power through the use of multi-entity organizations.

With the support of our partners, collaborators, and generous donors and foundations, we are helping leaders fight and win critical battles where it matters most. Below are a few of our proudest accomplishments.


Ran two deeply impactful accelerator cohorts

We’ve supported 13 emerging 501(c)(4)s, nonprofit corporations, and other organizations to help them maximize their power and impact. Learn more about our two accelerator cohorts below.

NEW AMERICAN MAJORITY COHORT (2020-2021)

NLA supported seven leading progressive organizations in AZ, CO, GA, MN, TX & WI to build or scale multi-entity organizations for maximum impact in 2020. Read more.

PROGRESSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE COHORT (2017-2018)

NLA helped launch six organizations that built infrastructure to scale the progressive movement. Our cohort members revolutionized the way we deploy everything from lawyers to data and technology to volunteers in targeted races. Read more.


Empower and Protect State Pilot 

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Supported AZ, GA, WI 501(c)(4)s in 2020

  • Supported 15 Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led 501(c)(4)s to expand and run aggressive campaigns to mobilize frontline communities in 2020.

  • Provided access to legal teams and compliance experts.

Strengthened State Infrastructure

  • Formed in-state partnerships with America Votes Wisconsin, Arizona Wins, and Instituto.

  • Increased investment in state capacity-building infrastructure to grow 501(c)(4)s.

Facilitated Learning

  • Increased legal compliance expertise among operation staff.

  • Provided state-specific resources and training to 501(c)(4)s staff.


Resourced the Movement: Training & Technical Assistance

Timely trainings for 500+ progressive organizations

Produced Training and webinars on everything from Applying for PPP Loans to Do’s and Don’ts of Advocacy in a Contested Election to Creating Values-Based Human Resources Policies.

$2.5 million in organization-building resources

  • Secured and directed more than $2.5 million in capacity-building resources to progressive organizations and leaders.

  • Technical Assistance to more than 120+ progressive organizations.

  • Provided Technical Assistance to 120+ emerging and/or scaling 501(c)4s to address critical needs.


Mapped Resources & Shared Learnings with the Field

Published Learnings

Published an eye-opening whitepaper on Lessons From the Field of Progressive Power-Building on what our movement needs to do to better support power-building organizations using a variety of legal structures. Learn more.

Mapped Resources

Partnered with the Democracy Alliance and RoadMap Consulting to create an easy-to-use map of the resources, training, and technical assistance to help progressive hybrid organizations maximize their impact in 2020.

Built New Tools

Built a first-of-its-kind Organizational Assessment Tool designed to assess the capacity of hybrid organizations using multiple legal entities.

Strengthened Field Knowledge

Captured learnings on working with hybrid organizations from our key programs to share with the field.


Invested in Collaborations & Partnerships

Centered Collaboration in Our Work

Created Principles of Collaboration to guide NLA’s growing partnership work.

Expanded our Network

Broadened and deepened our bench of experts and consultants to work with hybrid organizations.

Provided Thought Leadership

Delivered Resources

Designed and delivered training and resources with Alliance for Justice’s Bolder Advocacy and other partners.


Deepened our Values & Strengthened our Organization

Renewed Values

Renewed our Organizational Values to deepen our commitment to equity and strengthen our work.

Investing in Equity

Engaged in ongoing interpersonal and organizational equity and anti-racism work with our staff and Board.

Investing to Grow

Strengthened internal infrastructure to support organizational growth.


Expanded Funding Partnerships

Funder Collaborations

Partnered with innovative 501(c)(4) funders Four Freedoms Action Fund, Grove Action Fund, and Groundswell Action Fund to invest in scaling 501(c)(4) work and infrastructure.

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SUPPORT OUR WORK

Would you like to help build the power of the progressive movement? please consider making a donation to support our work.