Public Policy
Indicates Members-Only Content
One, Big, Beautiful Bill: Impact on Philanthropy
Last updated: June 25, 2026.H.R.1 is now federal law; here's the final bill text. In May 2026, the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) released their Bluebook on H.R.1, which provides a detailed summary of the tax provisions passed in the bill. Upon review of the Bluebook, JCT provided greater…
Tell Your Members of Congress to Protect Philanthropy
Toolkit
Find your member of Congress and their contact information
We're asking you to reach out to your Member of Congress to voice concerns with provisions in the tax bill that could impact philanthropy. You may only have a couple of minutes to make your point as staff will be receiving similar requests…
Legal Compliance Guidance
Self-Defense Exception: A legislative proposal to modify the private foundation excise tax on net investment income under IRC section 4940 would qualify as a self-defense issue, because it affects a private foundation’s duties. Private foundations may therefore communicate with the legislature, its…
Washington Snapshot: More budget reconciliation updates
In this edition of Washington Snapshot we share additional budget reconciliation updates as several House Committees began markup. Plus, House oversight agenda, "skinny" budget, Executive Order roundup, pending state legislation, and more.
Washington Snapshot: Charitable Rollover Facilitation and Enhancement Act introduced
In this edition of Washington Snapshot we share our recent joint statement with Independent Sector, National Council on Nonprofits, and United Philanthropy Forum on protecting the independence of the charitable sector. Plus, budget reconciliation, DOGE updates, AmeriCorps, tax legislation in…
Threats to Civil Society and the Independence of the Charitable Sector
Joint Statement by the Council on Foundations, Independent Sector, National Council of Nonprofits, and United Philanthropy Forum on Threats to Civil Society and the Independence of the Charitable Sector
On behalf of the charitable sector, we oppose the Trump administration’s stated intention to…
Philanthropy Isn’t a Luxury – It’s a Lifeline
The importance of charitable giving to American society can be seen in every community. Each of us has our own story about the charitable sector’s impact on our lives, whether it is a foundation’s support making a community program possible or the causes we choose to support with our charitable…
Washington Snapshot: Updated Budget Resolution
In this edition of Washington Snapshot we share the updated budget resolution the Senate is expected to vote on over the weekend.
Washington Snapshot: Executive Orders We're Tracking
In this edition of Washington Snapshot we share the President's the recent executive actions most relevant to the sector.
Washington Snapshot: Maintaining the Momentum
In this edition of Washington Snapshot we share how members can continue to build momentum following Foundations on the Hill, as well as everything we continue to track in DC.
Washington Snapshot: What We're Tracking This Week
In this edition of Washington Snapshot, we are tracking new legislation from Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX) as well as continued federal cuts and the ongoing budget reconciliation debate.
Protecting Philanthropy - Latest Updates
Our commitment to serving you in Washington has never been more important, but we can’t do it alone. We all must be united in our commitment to an independent charitable sector that ensures we can all give according to our values.
Our Government Affairs and Legal Resources team is keeping an eye…
Washington Snapshot: Updated Policy Resources
In this edition of Washington Snapshot we invite members to join us for Foundations on the Hill and share our updated policy resources hub on the Council website. We also continue to monitor the President’s executive actions and their potential impact on the philanthropic sector.
What is reconciliation?Reconciliation is a special process used by Congress to fast-track the passage of legislation that makes changes to revenue, certain mandatory spending, and/or the debt limit. The process has been used to move major legislation in Congress due to the Senate rules allowing…
This page provides summaries of executive orders and actions relevant to the philanthropic sector. Within each section, the most recent updates appear at the top, along with relevant resources for deeper analysis.To stay up to date on the latest information, bookmark this page and sign up for…
Washington Snapshot: Week One of the Second Trump Administration
In this edition of Washington Snapshot, HUD award applications are now open and we are currently tracking the Trump administration's first executive actions.