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Why Lobbying is Allowed
Foundation representatives often believe that they cannot participate in Foundations on the Hill because private foundations, by law, are prohibited from lobbying on specific legislation. While Congress has placed restrictions on private foundation lobbying, grantmakers can still meet with public officials and discuss policy issues as long as they do not urge a Member to vote for or against a specific bill. In addition, private foundations can lobby for or against so-called “self-defense” legislation – legislation that affects a foundation’s existence, powers and duties, tax-exempt status, or right to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Here are some additional resources on building relationships with policymakers and foundation public policy engagement.
Actions That Are Not Lobbying
Edie, John. Council on Foundations, Washington, D.C. (1991).
Foundations and Lobbying: Safe Ways to Affect Public Policy
Edie, John. Council on Foundations, Washington, D.C. (1991).
Lobbying: Private Foundations vs. Public Charities
Edie, John. Council on Foundations, Washington, D.C. (1991).
What the Law Allows
Troyer, Thomas A. and Robert A. Boisture. Caplin and Drysdale.
Foundation News and Commentary , Volume 38, No. 3, May/June 1997.
Still Confused?
If you are still unsure about what you can and cannot say during your meetings on the Hill, please contact the Council’s Government Relations staff at 202/466-6512 or govt@cof.org.
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