Delaware Valley Grantmakers > About Grantmaking and Philanthropy


		DVG's Involvement in Public Policy



		Legislative Update



		Grantmakers & Public Policy



		Resources for Policy Makers

Resources for Policy Makers

			How DVG Can Serve as a Resource
			Common Wealth: Giving in PA

How DVG Can Serve as a Resource

Grantmakers address a multitude of issues in your region - from housing, to economic revitalization, education, and youth development –and can provide important information and serve as partners in your efforts to improve the quality of life in the region you serve. Through DVG and its membership of over 700 individuals from more than 150 organizations, you can tap into a wide range of knowledge and experience to help you better understand the issues facing your constituents.

Here are just a few of the ways policy makers can and do work effectively with grantmakers through the DVG association:

As Educators
DVG can help extend your knowledge about:

	•	The scope and activities of foundations and nonprofits in your area
	•	The regional patterns of charitable giving, and the impact of that important sector on the region’s economy
	•	How foundations and nonprofits get things done, and how they can help policy makers accomplish their goals
	•	Specific issues facing your constituents, what foundations and nonprofits may have done about them, and who the trusted leaders are on those issues in your region

Example: Through our Critical Dialogue Series, DVG regularly brings together elected officials together with its grantmaker members for discussions on social and policy issues facing their communities.

As Resources and Partners
DVG is a trusted information resource and ally for public officials who can:

	•	Spot trends and needs in the community and, in a timely manner, alert policy makers to issues that may need their attention
	•	Help policy makers connect with nonprofit leaders in the community
	•	Provide formal or informal support for issues or legislation that are important to the advancement of philanthropy in the region
	•	Assist elected officials’ constituents by referring them to appropriate resources for training on how to fundraise, build coalitions, and manage nonprofits

Example: DVG and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare brought together nonprofit and government stakeholders early in the days of welfare reform to discuss its implications and help shape policy. That work resulted in that state becoming the first to have a governor’s formal staff liaison to the nonprofit community.

As Broad-based Conveners
Serving as the voice and resource for philanthropy in Greater Philadelphia and neighboring regions, DVG encompasses a wide network of connections in the community that makes us an ideal partner for bringing together community stakeholders representing different perspectives.

Example: In the fall of 2002, DVG convened a meeting with Paul G. Vallas, the new CEO of the School District of Philadelphia, to begin a dialogue about how private funders can work in tandem with the district’s new administration on its reform efforts. Select members of DVG now constitute an Education Funders Group that maintains ongoing communication with Mr. Vallas’ office.

Legislators, government representatives and/or policy makers interested in learning more about opportunities for collaboration with DVG should contact Debra Kahn at 215-790-9700 ext. 4 or debra@dvg.org.