Following up after a successful meeting with your member of Congress and his/her staff is crucial. Here are a few tips that will ensure you maintain strong relationships with your Senators and Representatives that extend beyond Foundations on the Hill- District Days.

• Thank You Letter
  Within a week of your meeting, FAX or E-MAIL a thank you letter to your member of Congress and his/her staff. Again, we encourage you to fax or e-mail the thank you letter (regular mail can take up to a month for delivery).
  
  
• Send a Press Release to Your Local Media Office
  Be sure to send your local media office a press release about your meeting/event with your lawmaker. In addition, if you have pictures with your Representative and or Senators enclose those too.
  
  
• Add Members of Congress to your Mailing List
  Make sure that your members of Congress and their relevant staff receive copies of your annual report, newsletters, etc.
  
  
• Follow up with the Council
  The Council on Foundations tracks the relationships between foundations and members of Congress. If you participated in Foundations on the Hill-District Days or recently met with a Member of Congress, please fill out a Meeting Report Form.
  
  

Feel free to contact the Council's Government Relations staff (govt@cof.org or 703/879-0600) if you have any questions.

Thank You for Participating in Foundations on the Hill-District Days 2010! We hope that you will join us on March 8-9, 2011 for our Foundations on the Hill-DC event.