Public Policy and Advocacy Resources for Grantmakers

Philanthropic foundations, corporations and businesses, and government institutions share a desire to improve the lives of people in their communities. Although foundations and corporate giving programs were never designed to fill the gaps left by government funding, it is critical that the private philanthropic sector finds opportunities to build relationships with the public sector, be "at the table" when policy priorities are set, and work with government at the federal, state and local level to strengthen the quality of life for all through new and innovative approaches. The strength of foundation and corporate giving programs is not in the size of their grant dollars, but in their ability to create opportunities and act with the flexibility that government agencies are not typically able to do. Grantmakers can effectively and productively complement government efforts by joining forces on issues critical to our shared future.

For more information on advocacy and public policy, please link to our section on Public Policy and explore the links to additional resources listed below:

	Alliance for Justice Foundation Advocacy Initiative Founded in 1995 by the Alliance for Justice, a national association of public interest organizations, The Foundation Advocacy Initiative seeks to increase foundation support to organizations that seek to influence policy and public opinion.
	Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest CLPI was founded in 1998 out of a concern that the essential public policy role of charities is significantly undermined by several persistent barriers and educates nonprofits about the important role that lobbying plays in achieving their missions.
	Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers Public Policy Toolkit Provides strategies and tips for grantmakers seeking to enter the public policy arena.
	GiveVoice A joint venture of Independent Sector and the National Council of Nonprofit Organizations, the site offers Public Policy Resources and Advocacy Tools specifically designed for the nonprofit sector.
	Independent Sector Public Affairs Program Provides information in the areas of: Tax Legislation, Nonprofit Lobbying and Advocacy, Government Funding, Accountability and Oversight. Also publishes a monthly Public Policy Update, an executive briefing on federal and state issues affecting philanthropy and nonprofit activity.
	IssuesPA Founded by the Pennsylvania Economy League to address issues relevant to the November 2002 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, the site continues to focus on policy issues that impact the future of the state's economy.
	Metropolitan Philadelphia Policy Center Formed in the spring of 2000, the Metropolitan Philadelphia Policy Center works to help residents of the Philadelphia region better understand the policies, issues and trends that are shaping our daily lives, and to strengthen our ability to work together for change.
	National Council of Nonprofit Associations Action Center The National Council of Nonprofit Associations (NCNA) is a network of 37 state and regional associations of nonprofits representing more than 21,000 nonprofits throughout the country. In its efforts to create a supportive environment that allows local and state-based nonprofits to thrive, NCNA monitors public policy issues that affect the nonprofit sector. (Information and policy statements also available on the Public Policy section of NCNA's Web site.)
	OMB Watch Formed in 1983, OMB Watch tracks activities of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), concentrating its work in five key areas: Budget and government performance issues; Regulatory and government accountability; Information for democracy and community; Nonprofit advocacy and other cross-cutting nonprofit issues; and Nonprofit policy and technology.
	Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations' Public Policy Contains information on current issues and legislation at the state (PA) and federal level that impacts the nonprofit sector.
	PolicyLink PolicyLink is a national advocacy, research, capacity building, and communications organization that seeks to advance the cause of equity in our society.
	Stateline Operated by the Pew Center on the States, this site was founded to help journalists, policy makers and engaged citizens become better informed about innovative public policies at the state level. Issue areas include: Education, Healthcare, Welfare Reform, and Environment and more.