Public Policy Leadership Cohort
The Public Policy Leadership Cohort is an immersive, peer-led learning experience designed for funders ready to move from essential knowledge to strategy. Hosted by the Council on Foundations with support from the Thornburg Foundation, this monthly cohort (May–November) will explore core pillars in navigating and implementing advocacy policy strategies, both internally and externally to your organization. Beyond the opportunity to build deeper relationships with fellow policy professionals and work on challenging issues together, your cohort is an opportunity to build a trusted peer space.
Recognizing that the policy landscape is constantly shifting, this cohort is built on a co-design model. While the Council provides the structural framework and expert facilitation, the participants serve as the primary architects of the curriculum.The cohort provides a confidential space to experiment with new tools to help communicate about your advocacy work and strategy, as well as opportunities to gain feedback from peers about your foundation's advocacy posture, building a lasting network of allies.
About the Program
- Learning Objectives
- Cohort Facilitators
- Program Schedule
- Eligibility
- How to apply
- Cost
- Cohort Alumni
- Past Speakers
Learning Objectives: The Three Pillars of the Cohort
- Deepen cross-sector relationships
Participants will move beyond "networking" to build a trusted peer-advisory group where they can share candidly about institutional roadblocks, political complexities, and the lived experience of leading change from within, in a confidential space. - Peer-Led Knowledge Sourcing
Source feedback on real-time challenges, leveraging the collective experience of the cohort. Each cohort member will have the opportunity to share insights from their unique geographic and organizational context. - Policy Accelerator
Gain strategic clarity, evolving from "getting there" to thriving long-term, on a specific policy goal within your organization. Whether you are launching a new initiative or scaling an existing one, the cohort serves as an accelerator to move your project from the "idea" stage to an actionable roadmap.
Cohort Facilitator
Johanna Ulloa
Advocacy Manager
Colorado Trust
Program Details
2026 Cohort Schedule
Session 1: May 20, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Session 2: June 17, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Session 3: July 16, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Session 4: August 19, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Session 5: September 24, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Session 6: October 14, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Session 7: November 18, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Eligibility
The cohort is open to individuals who:
- Are public policy professionals at a private foundation already engaged in public policy (this is not a cohort for those just starting their public policy journey).
- Understand the federal, state, and/or local public policy structures.
- Can privately share with the cohort my foundation's policy strategy or agenda, even if not a formal document.
- Are committed to actively participating in the cohort experience and attending the virtual sessions.
How to apply
Interested in joining the 2026 cohort? Please email Mimi Beringer (mimi.beringer@cof.org) to receive a link to the application form. Application questions include:
How is your organization engaging in advocacy? (up to 100 words)
What are some of the biggest questions and challenges you have in implementing your advocacy work? (up to 100 words)
Why do you want to participate in the Public Policy Cohort? What do you hope to learn? And how do you think you might apply what you learn to your work in philanthropy? (Up to 150 words)
Cost
Council Members: $350
Nonmembers: $500
2025 Cohort Alumni
Jennifer Bevis, Senior Rural Advocacy Manager, Blandin Foundation
Lisa Brody, Chief Operations Officer/General Counsel, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg
Gillian Darlow, CEO, Polk Bros. Foundation
Jacqui Dietrich, President & CEO, John T. Vucurevich Foundation
Anthony Grimes, Director of Communications and Policy, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation
Tim Inman, Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer, The Ford Family Foundation
Maria Kisumbi, Senior Director Strategic Partnerships, Humanity United
Julián Lazalde, Program Manager of Policy and Advocacy, Healthy Communities Foundation
Allan Oliver, President, Thornburg Foundation
Johanna Ulloa Girón, Senior Advocacy Program Manager, The Colorado Trust
Nicole Witherbee, CEO & President, John T. Gorman Foundation
Past Speakers Include
Brad Clark, Former CEO, Gill Foundation
Laura Gerald, MD, MPH, President, Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust
Debra Humphreys, Ph.D., Vice President of Strategic Engagement, Lumina Foundation
Erika Rickard, Director, Courts & Communities, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Jo-Anne Stately, Senior Vice President of Impact, The Minneapolis Foundation
Paris Wilson, Senior Manager, Gilbert Family Foundation
