For over 100 years, community foundations have been working locally to improve the lives of people in their communities. The Council supports the work of community foundations by providing resources and guidance, acting as a voice for local philanthropy in Washington D.C., and creating spaces for community foundations to connect with and learn from one another. In 2026, we launched the CF Leadership Coalition: A Policy and Communications Add-On to expand on our work with community foundations to advance the greater good.
Together, we will:
Strengthen our capacity to effectively defend and enhance the work of community foundations
Expand the network of community foundations engaging on policy issues
Foster deep partnerships with policymakers and government officials to advance the greater good
CF Leadership Coalition Benefits
Get informed about our evolving policy environment:
- Policy updates tailored to community foundations
- Board book inserts summarizing recent, relevant public policy developments
- Community foundation news clips and analysis
- Briefings about key policy issues affecting your communities like housing, disaster relief, or Medicaid
- Policy briefings for your board or staff
Get connected to peers, lawmakers, and a Council team dedicated to supporting you:
- Limited complimentary registrations to legal, advocacy, and communication trainings
- Dedicated discussion board focused on public policy
- Answers to your policy and communications questions
- Information from the Council’s bipartisan roster of experts, including lobbyists, lawyers, and communication and PR firms
Get involved in shaping public policy while strengthening the sector's collective voice:
- Customizable regulatory and policy letter templates
- Personalized media strategy guidance
- Support to prepare for direct engagement with policymakers serving your district
- Provide feedback to further shape the Leadership Coalition
CF Leadership Coalition Cost
The CF Leadership Coalition cost is based on annual Council membership dues, which are determined by Management and General Expenses from your latest fiscal year. We are offering a reduced, introductory rate for members that upgrade and submit their payment by December 31, 2026. The cost of the CF Leadership Coalition will increase on January 1, 2027.
We are also offering a special Add-On Bundle that includes both CF Insights and the CF Leadership Coalition at a reduced rate for both add-ons.
| Management & General Expenses | Annual Membership Dues | CF Leadership Coalition Cost (2026) | Add-On Bundle Cost (CF Leadership Coalition + CF Insights) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $149,999 and under | $1,000 | $400 | $750 |
| $150,000-$349,999 | $2,500 | $800 | $1,350 |
| $350,000-$699,999 | $4,000 | $1,280 | $2,000 |
| $700,000-$999,999 | $7,000 | $2,240 | $3,500 |
| $1,000,000-$1,999,999 | $10,000 | $3,200 | $5,000 |
| $2,000,000-$3,999,999 | $15,000 | $4,800 | $7,500 |
| $4,000,000-$6,999,999 | $20,000 | $6,400 | $10,000 |
| $7,000,000-$11,999,999 | $25,000 | $8,000 | $12,000 |
| $12,000,000 and over | $35,000 | $11,200 | $16,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The CF Leadership Coalition is expanded policy and strategic communications support that community foundations can add on top of their existing Council membership. It also gives those who join access to a peer network that is advancing shared policy priorities, responding to emerging challenges, and strengthening the field and their communities.
The CF Leadership Coalition is supported by a dedicated and experienced team at the Council that works with our extensive network of advocates and legal experts on both sides of the aisle. Coalition members also play a key role in shaping this add-on through direct feedback and an engaged committee of community foundation leaders.
Your community foundation must be a member of the Council to join. If you are not yet a member, you can learn more and apply to become a member on cof.org/cfmembership. If you are already a Council member and would like to add the CF Leadership Coalition, please complete the enrollment form and a Council Staff member will be in touch with you.
It is open to all community foundations that are members of the Council on Foundations.
No, including this add-on with Council membership is completely optional.
No, existing Council member benefits are not changing, nor going away. This add-on will provide additional benefits on top of what members already receive from their annual Council membership.
Yes, the CF Insights Add-On provides access to the CF Insights peer benchmarking data tool, customized benchmarking dashboards, and one-on-one assistance from Council staff. You can purchase both CF Insights and CF Leadership Coalition at reduced pricing through the Add-On Bundle.
