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About Foundations on the Hill

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 $95.00.

Why Attend Foundations on the Hill?

With a new Congress convening in January, 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 2008?

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).

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 Legislative Network. 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 2008, contact Chatrane Birbal (703/879-0689) at the Council or Erin McCarty (202/467-1122) at the Forum.

Highlights from Foundations on the Hill 2008

On March 4-5, 2008, a record 289 foundation and regional association representatives from around the country traveled to Washington, DC to participate in Foundations on the Hill (FOTH), co-hosted by the Council on Foundations and the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers. Participants, representing 35 states and the District of Columbia, met with 30 Senators and more than 63 Representatives during the two day event. View the 2008 Photo Gallery.