Breakthrough

Breakthrough is a global human rights and social change organization founded in 2021, operating as a campaign accelerator that supports community-led advocacy and activism. While headquartered in New York, Breakthrough works internationally, with a strong focus on supporting grassroots leaders and campaign groups in the United States and beyond. The organization positions itself at the intersection of communications, activism, and policy advocacy, aiming to empower individuals who have faced injustice to lead impactful campaigns for transformational social change.

What Breakthrough Does

Breakthrough acts as a strategic partner for grassroots and community-led initiatives, providing the skills, resources, and network connections needed to drive effective campaigns. The organization emphasizes a campaign lifecycle approach, from initial strategy development to digital mobilization, media engagement, and policy advocacy. Its services include campaign consulting, training programs, creative communications, and digital tools designed to amplify the voices of community leaders. Breakthrough also offers funding support and access to a network of advisors who specialize in social justice advocacy, policy influence tactics, and community development. The organization is known for its innovative blend of culture and activism, exemplified by campaigns like Bell Bajao!, which engaged men and boys as allies to end violence against women and girls. This campaign reached over 130 million people in India and gained international recognition. Domestically, Breakthrough has worked with groups affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy and other social justice causes, demonstrating its commitment to community-led advocacy and lived experiences as drivers of change.

Who They Serve

Breakthrough primarily serves campaign groups, community leaders, and grassroots activists who are working to address social injustices and systemic inequalities. The organization focuses on supporting individuals and organizations that have firsthand experience with the issues they are tackling, such as racial justice, gender equality, housing rights, and environmental justice. Breakthrough's approach is tailored to those who need strategic support to move from offline organizing to online mobilization, and from local campaigns to national or global influence. The organization also works with nonprofit organizations and advocacy networks that seek to build their capacity for media strategy, creative communications, and policy advocacy. By providing training programs and access to a campaign network, Breakthrough helps these groups develop the skills needed to sustain long-term social change efforts.

Expertise and Specialties

Breakthrough's expertise lies in its ability to combine activism with professional communications and campaign strategy. The organization specializes in the following areas:

• Campaign strategy and lifecycle management for social justice and human rights initiatives
• Digital mobilization and online organizing tools for community-led advocacy
• Media engagement and creative communications to amplify grassroots voices
• Activist training and leadership development for community leaders
• Policy advocacy and lobbying support for legislative change
• Network building and campaign network connections to foster collaboration
• Funding support and resource mobilization for grassroots campaigns
• Social change communications that blend culture and activism

Breakthrough's approach is grounded in the belief that those closest to the problem are best positioned to lead the solution. The organization provides not just strategic advice but also practical tools and ongoing support to ensure that campaigns are sustainable and impactful. This includes training in policy influence tactics, digital mobilization, and media strategy, as well as access to a network of advisors who bring deep expertise in social justice advocacy and community development.

Breakthrough is a strong fit for grassroots activists, community organizations, and nonprofit groups that are seeking to scale their campaigns and achieve broader social change. It is particularly well-suited for those who value lived experience and community-led approaches, and who need strategic support to navigate the complexities of media engagement, policy advocacy, and digital mobilization. Whether addressing local issues or national movements, Breakthrough provides the tools, training, and network connections to help campaigns move from idea to impact.