Unions and Foundations as Public Policy Actors.

Unlikely as it seems, labor unions and foundations have been involved in the same policy issues as actors, affected parties, or both. Virtually no research has been done on connections between these institutions. This paper briefly reviews and illustrates their roles in public policy. Two detailed case studies are presented. In the case of recent public school reform efforts in Chicago, a few foundations supported reform elements before favorable legislation was passed in 1988. Afterward, foundation engagement expanded dramatically, including an unprecedented $1 million grant form the Mac???Arthur foundation to the Chicago Teachers Union. In the second case, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFT???A), some foundations backed a spectrum of opponents, while others supported research that favored passage. One major foundation withheld any NAFT???A-related grants until the issue was settled. Growing diversity in foundations and organized labor suggests they may find more common ground in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]