What is Foundations on the Hill?
Since 2003, the Council on Foundations and the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers have co-sponsored Foundations on the Hill, an annual opportunity for grantmakers and regional associations to meet with their federal lawmakers in Washington, D.C. This year they are joined by the Alliance for Charitable Reform (ACR), a project of The Philanthropy Roundtable, as a co-sponsor, a mark of the sector drawing together with one voice in support of philanthropy. This partnership effectively combines the Council’s and ACR’s expertise on legal and legislative matters with the regional associations' expertise on local philanthropy and the leverage they bring as local constituents.
During Foundations on the Hill, regional associations, working with foundation trustees, executives and staff, schedule meetings on Capitol Hill to personally discuss their work with members of Congress. In addition to congressional meetings, participants attend training sessions, and the ACR Summit for Leaders, a public policy conference on current issues impacting philanthropy and nonprofits, and strategies for effectively advancing philanthropy with policymakers.
The purpose of Foundations on the Hill is to:
- Inform and educate Congress about philanthropy
- Create visibility for foundations and philanthropy on Capitol Hill
- Advocate on issues affecting foundations
- Encourage Congress to view foundations as resources on key public policy issues
The registration fee for Foundations on the Hill is $100. The ACR Summit for Leaders is a part of the Foundations on the Hill program. There is no charge if you plan to only attend the ACR Summit for Leaders. Visit the registration page for more information and to register.
Why Attend Foundations on the Hill?
It is critical that elected officials hear from their foundation constituents. By attending Foundations on the Hill, you can develop or strengthen your relationships with your members of Congress and share your views on the latest charitable legislation. Members of Congress are most influenced when constituents from their states or districts advance a cause on behalf of themselves and their national organizations. A meeting in Washington shows an extra level of dedication and commitment to that cause. Philanthropic leaders also learn about the political landscape and hear from experts how to effectively use public policy to advance core values of philanthropy.
How Can I Participate in Foundations on the Hill 2013?
Foundations on the Hill 2013 will take place on March 19-20. Registration for Foundations on the Hill is open to Council, Forum, and Philanthropy Roundtable/ACR members or nonmembers who are trustees, executives, and staff of grantmaking organizations and regional associations of grantmakers (see eligibility criteria). Grant-receiving organizations may only attend the ACR Summit for Leaders.
The Council, the Forum, and ACR will provide all of the tools you need to make your meetings successful. We will connect you with your state’s delegation captain who will schedule meetings and connect you with other foundation representatives from your state. Sample meeting request letters, congressional contact information, talking points, issue papers will be posted on this website (www.foundationsonthehill.org). Before your arrival, you can keep up with the latest legislative and regulatory developments affecting foundations by subscribing to the Council's Policy Update, and the ACR newsletter. And when you arrive in Washington, DC, you can attend a legislative briefing/training session that will prepare you for your congressional meetings.
If you are interested in attending Foundations on the Hill 2013 and have any questions, contact Tim Huber (703/879-0693) at the Council, Courtney Moore (703/879-0809) at the Forum, or Patrice Lee at ACR (202/822-8333).
About the Alliance for Charitable Reform (ACR)
ACR is a project of The Philanthropy Roundtable that works to advance the principles that promote vigorous private giving to charities and to preserve the rights of donors. ACR educates legislators and policymakers about the central role of private giving in American life and thus the importance of protecting philanthropic freedom—the ability of individuals and private organizations to determine how and where to direct their charitable assets.
About the Council on Foundations
The Council on Foundations, formed in 1949, is a nonprofit membership association composed of approximately 1,800 independent, community, family foundations and corporate giving programs in the United States and abroad. The Council’s mission is to provide the opportunity, leadership, and tools that philanthropic organizations need to expand, enhance, and sustain their ability to advance the common good.
About the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers
The Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers (the Forum) is a national philanthropic leader and a network of 34 regional associations of grantmakers. It supports philanthropy by strengthening the ability of all regional associations to fulfill their missions; these associations promote the growth and effectiveness of philanthropy in order to improve life in their communities.
