Elected officials at all levels make decisions and write legislation that can have a profound affect on the goals and outcomes that grantmakers are seeking to achieve, as well as have a very tangible impact on the ability of their grantee organizations to carry out their charitable missions.

Through many of our activities, such as the Critical Dialogue series and annual conference, and our print and electronic communications, including our newsletter and Web site, DVG is dedicated to forging stronger relationships between grantmakers and policy makers in order to build greater understanding, promote shared learning, and, where possible, encourage collaboration and joint action.

Information is this section of our Web site is specifically designed to help grantmakers better understand the rules of engagement for them in the public policy arena in terms of lobbying and advocacy, and why network building with elected officials is an important strategy for them to undertake in order to inform legislators about the unique value and role of philanthropy, and how the sector as a whole affects the lives of people in the communities they represent.