Public Policy
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Washington Snapshot: Treasury 990 Transparency Initiative
The Department of the Treasury announced plans to revise Form 990 to “improve transparency, strengthen tax administration, and provide clearer reporting on certain activities of tax-exempt organizations.” These activities include government grants and contracts, as well as fiscal sponsorships. Plus…
Federal Scholarship Tax Credit for Contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations
Last Updated: August 17, 2026The IssueThe One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA - P.L.119-21) included a provision (Section 70411) to create the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC, also known as the Education Freedom Tax Credit), a new nonrefundable tax credit for contributions to Scholarship…
Washington Snapshot: FY2027 Presidential Budget Request
Last Friday, the Trump Administration released the White House’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) President’s Budget Request. Plus, Essentials of Policy Advocacy for Grantmakers, an Executive Order on elections, and more.
Info Session: CF Leadership Coalition Policy & Communications Add-On
For over 75 years, the Council on Foundations has worked to support the nation’s community foundations, acting as a voice for them in Washington, D.C. while providing essential policy guidance and resources. Now, through the new CF Leadership Coalition, Policy and Communications Add-On,…
Washington Snapshot: CF Leadership Coalition Launch
We’re excited to let you know that our new CF Leadership Coalition: Policy and Communications Add-on is now available. Plus, G20 for Philanthropy Information Series, Budget Reconciliation Outlook, and more.
Washington Snapshot: Global Grantmaking Essentials
Our biannual virtual training on global grantmaking offers a focused dive into cross-border giving regulations, real-world tools for navigating complex systems, and updates on the latest data and research. Plus, the SPONSOR Act, Senate hearing on foreign influence in higher education, and more.
Info Session: CF Leadership Coalition Policy & Communications Add-On
Members, View RecordingFor over 75 years, the Council on Foundations has worked to support the nation’s community foundations, acting as a voice for them in Washington, D.C. while providing essential policy guidance and resources. Now, through the new CF Leadership Coalition, Policy and…
Washington Snapshot: Register for Our Upcoming Webinar on the Basics of Civic Engagement
Philanthropic organizations face heightened attention and expectations. To support Council members, our Legal Resources team is hosting a webinar on what philanthropic organizations need to know to engage confidently and responsibly in civic engagement work. Plus, FOTH26, Council testimony for the…
Washington Snapshot: Secure your spot at Foundations on the Hill 2026
The landscape for philanthropy shifted in 2025. How is your organization preparing for what comes next in 2026 and beyond? Join us for Foundations on the Hill on March 16-19 to build the long-term advocacy skills needed to engage policymakers confidently and shape the environment in which…
Washington Snapshot: Supporting the sector
Earlier this week, Real Clear Politics published an op-ed by Council President and CEO Kathleen Enright responding to recent commentary criticizing the sector. Plus, new amicus brief, Foundations on the Hill 2026, and more.
Washington Snapshot: Foundations on the Hill
Foundations on the Hill 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment for the philanthropic sector. Plus, new legislation targeting nonprofits, federal government funding, and more.
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…
Washington Snapshot: 2025 Year in Review
The last Washington Snapshot of the year. Looking back on 2025, state legislation taking effect in 2026, and more.
Basics of Civic Engagement for Foundations
Philanthropic organizations face heightened attention and expectations. To support Council members, our Legal Resources team hosted a webinar on what philanthropic organizations need to know to engage confidently and responsibly in civic engagement work.This session covered what organizations can…
Advocacy Essentials for Community Foundations
Workshop HoursTuesday, August 25: 1-5 p.m. ETThursday, August 27: 1-5 p.m. ETGovernment policies and programs, at the federal, state, and local level, affect almost every aspect of our lives, from housing, healthcare and the environment to education, transportation, and safety. For…
On September 25, 2025, President Trump issued a memorandum addressing domestic terrorism and organized political violence. Find our summary of the provisions in the memo below.Section 1. Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence.The recent influx in political violence is not a series of…