Policy Resources
Why is Public Policy Important for Grantmakers?
Because elected officials make policy and budget decisions that affect nonprofit organizations and foundations, it is critical to communicate to them the unique value and role of the philanthropic sector.
Why Supporting Public Policy Makes Sense for Foundations:
The Atlantic Philanthropies
Foundations and Public Policy Grantmaking:
https://irvine.org/assets/pdf/pubs/philanthropy/PublicPolicy_Coffman.pdf
The James Irvine Foundation
Resources to Get You Started
The following links and publications provide a basic overview of what foundations can do to influence public policy or how they are permitted to fund nonprofit groups that engage in advocacy.
How Can Foundations Engage in Advocacy and Lobbying
Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers
Philanthropy Public Policy Portal
https://pfour.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&id=6&Itemid=67
Tools, case studies and more
Sample ways private and community foundations can engage in advocacy without lobbying
https://www.cof.org/files/Documents/Legal/Sample-Ways-to-Engage-in-Advocacy.pdf
Councilon Foundations (COF)
Advocacy Toolkit
https://www.cof.org/programsandservices/publicpolicy/resources.cfm?navItemNumber=16117
Council on Foundations
Alliance for Charitable Reform
Alliance for Justice About Advocacy Webpage
https://www.afj.org/for-nonprofits-foundations
Find answers to legal questions and tools for starting advocacy efforts, including:
- Family Foundation Advisory
https://www.afj.org/assets/resources/nap/family-foundations-advocacy.pdf
- Sample grant agreement
https://www.afj.org/assets/resources/nap/specific-project-grant-sample-agreement.pdf
Websites to Track Legislation Wisconsin Legislation
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/
Track the status of state Assembly and Senate bills.
Federal Legislation
https://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php
Track U.S. bills,search by bill number or keyword, link to congressional directories and more