Public Policy
Policy Agenda for the 119th Congress
Building on our 75-year history, the Council supports over 900 member organizations, those large and small, urban and rural, community- and global-focused, in all 50 states and around the world.
The Council and our members work to create a policy environment in which philanthropy can grow…
Washington Snapshot: 119th Congress Preview
Our last Washington Snapshot of 2024 provides an overview of the 119th Congress being sworn in on January 3, 2025, and shares actions members can take to ensure Congress understands philanthropy’s work and our sector’s priorities.
Self-defense Lobbying Exception for Private Foundations
Legal Compliance Guidance
Internal Revenue Code § 4945(e) allows private foundations to appear or communicate with a legislative body concerning a decision of that body that might affect the existence of the foundation, its powers and duties, its tax-exempt status, or the deductibility of contributions to it.
What…
Washington Snapshot: Trump-Vance Administration Preview
This edition of Washington Snapshot previews the incoming presidential administration. Plus, a Charitable Giving Coalition sign-on letter, H.R.9495, Department of Transportation briefing, state ballot measures, state and local fiscal recovery funds, and more.
Essentials of Policy Advocacy for Grantmakers – March 2025
Led by Council on Foundations staff and philanthropic leaders, this training will address policy advocacy strategies that support effective practices. Participants will gain helpful tools and resources while networking with peers who are developing and implementing their foundation’s advocacy…
Global Grantmaking Essentials - November 2025
Led by Council on Foundations staff with collectively decades of experience with global philanthropy, the Global Grantmaking Essentials will also feature guest speakers with deep knowledge on specific issues or countries.
Course Hours
Wednesday, November 12: 1:00-5:00 p.m. ET
Thursday,…
Practice and Purpose of Policy: A Training for Community Foundation Leaders
Government policies and programs affect almost every aspect of our lives, from housing, healthcare and the environment to education, transportation, and safety. For foundations striving to create equitable, inclusive, and widely prosperous communities, it is necessary to focus on…
Essentials of Policy Advocacy for Grantmakers – September 2025
Led by Council on Foundations staff and philanthropic leaders, this training will address policy advocacy strategies that support racial equity and effective practices. Participants will gain helpful tools and resources while networking with peers who are developing and implementing their…
We Oppose H.R.9495
The Council on Foundations, Independent Sector, National Council of Nonprofits, and United Philanthropy Forum express our opposition to Section 4 of H.R.9495 and its predecessor, H.R.6408. We have no opposition to the provision in the bill postponing tax deadlines for those unlawfully or wrongfully…
Public Policy Action Network - December 2025 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Public Policy Action Network - October 2025 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Public Policy Action Network - August 2025 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Public Policy Action Network - June 2025 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Public Policy Action Network - April 2025 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Washington Snapshot: Election Debrief Next Week
This week's Washington Snapshot features an invitation to next week's election debrief conversation. Plus, previewing tax policy, enhancing community engagement, Power Your Future, EPA grant reminders, updates from the states, and more.
Public Policy Action Network - February 2025 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…