PolicyWorks for Philanthropy is a multi-year initiative that seeks to build the capacity of regional associations of grantmakers’ staff, board and volunteer leaders to engage policymakers in support of a vibrant and effective philanthropic sector.
Our vision is that policymakers will recognize regional associations of grantmakers as among the most valued voices and expert resources on issues critical to philanthropy and society.
The PolicyWorks Community
The PolicyWorks Community consists of 20 regional associations of grantmakers committed to building their individual and collective capacity to achieve the PolicyWorks vision and goals. That commitment is based on the belief that:
- Policy work is essential to achieving our missions and helping our more than 3,000 foundation members; and,
- As a network serving foundations in 39 states, the PolicyWorks community offers the best and only coordinated national system for building effective relationships with elected and appointed officials at all levels of government.
By "policy work" we mean government relations—related to legislation and regulations affecting the work of charitable foundations; and public policy engagement—supporting the achievement of charitable foundations’ mission and goals.
Building and maintaining relationships with policymakers is essential to the philanthropic sector’s ability to: educate policymakers about the work, value and impact of foundations; advise policymakers about potential legislation or regulation that could harm the sector and decrease much needed philanthropic dollars; gain policymakers’ support for legislation that could support the growth and effectiveness of philanthropy; and build partnerships with policymakers to achieve policy reforms that improve the quality of life for those foundations seek to serve.
STEERING COMMITTEE
Council of Michigan Foundations, Co-chair & Fiscal Agent
Ohio Grantmakers Forum, Co-chair
Donors Forum (Illinois)
Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania
Northern California Grantmakers
Philanthropy New York
MEMBERS
Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers
Conference of Southwest Foundations
Connecticut Council for Philanthropy
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers
Delaware Valley Grantmakers
Florida Philanthropic Network
Grantmakers Forum of New York
Indiana Grantmakers Alliance
Iowa Council of Foundations
Minnesota Council on Foundations
Philanthropy Northwest
San Diego Grantmakers
Southeastern Council of Foundations
Donors Forum of Wisconsin
PARTNERS
Communications Network
Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers
Philanthropy Awareness Initiative
FUNDERS
William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
EVALUATOR
Dawn Roberts
The PolicyWorks Strategy
PolicyWorks is designed as a three-stage, multi-year engagement involving regional association executives and senior staff with members of their boards of trustees and volunteer leaders such as committee chairs.
