The Unique Contribution of the Connect U.S. Fund: The distinguishing element of this initiative, established in 2004, is its effort to ensure that the whole of advocacy is greater than the sum of its parts.  The goal is more effective collaborations across issue areas among foundations, among NGOs and between the two, and more integrated and powerful efforts to influence the policy debate.  As a critical complement to donor collaboration and grant-making, the Connect U.S. Fund secretariat actively supports grantees and other NGOs in their efforts to collaborate effectively within and between issue areas, to engage policy makers, and to bring issues to the attention of the media.