There's Never Been a More Important Year to Attend FOTH
"It's always a good idea to have some kind of relationship with the people who write the rules. It's just common sense that we know these folks and that they know us."
This wisdom comes from Sherry Magill, president of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and board member of both the Council on Foundations and Florida Philanthropic Network, and represents the best reason for independent foundation representatives to attend Foundations on the Hill in Washington (FOTH), D.C., March 21-22.
"It's a no-brainer to go," Magill says.
Make plans to be in D.C. for the annual, two-day legislative and public-policy event that provides the perfect opportunity to create and build upon relationships with your elected officials.
The excise tax is obviously a top back-and-forth issue that will be tackled at FOTH. All private foundations must pay an annual 1 percent to 2 percent tax on net investment income. "We want to simplify our tax returns," says Magill of the duPont Fund, an independent foundation, "to put more money where it's needed the most."
She says foundations want Congress—particularly the new members—to focus on extending and expanding the IRA charitable rollover and expanding the provision to remove limitations on the age of donors and the size of the gifts and to permit charitable rollovers to donor advised funds, supporting organizations, and private foundations. "We have to help representatives understand the importance of that provision," Magill says.
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 to meet with their federal lawmakers in Washington, D.C. This partnership effectively combines the Council'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, foundation trustees, executives and staff, working with their regional association, schedule meetings on Capitol Hill to personally discuss their work with members of Congress. In addition to congressional meetings, participants attend training sessions and a breakfast event featuring remarks by a member(s) of Congress.
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 only $100.00.
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.
How Can I Participate in Foundations on the Hill 2012?
Foundations on the Hill 2012 will take place on March 21-22. Registration for Foundations on the Hill is open to trustees, executives and staff of 1) grantmaking foundations and 2) regional associations of grantmakers. While Foundations on the Hill is open to both Council/Forum members or nonmembers, your organization must be eligible to be a member of the Council or Forum (see eligibility criteria for the Council).
The Council and Forum will provide all of the tools you need to make your meetings successful. Sample meeting request letters, congressional contact information, talking points, issue papers will be posted at this website (www.foundationsonthehill.org). Council and Forum staff will work to connect you with your regional association's delegation or other foundation representatives from your state. 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 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 2012, contact Chatrane Birbal (703/879-0689) at the Council or Courtney Moore (703/879-0809) at the Forum.
