Private and public foundations can play an important role in influencing policy by engaging in advocacy and funding their grantees to advocate on their issues. Led by Bolder Advocacy Senior Counsel Tim Mooney, this workshop will provide your foundation with a clear understanding of why including policy advocacy as a deliberate organizational strategy can help you achieve your goals, the kinds of advocacy activities you can safely engage in, and how to build effective relationships with policymakers.

Not sure how to make the case for funding advocacy? Wondering whether your public or private foundation can speak out on a particular issue? This training will answer these questions and more. The workshop is designed for foundation staff and trustees.

Participants will learn:

•  Why public and private foundation should support advocacy and build relationships with policymakers;
•  An overview of activities that constitute advocacy and public policy work;
•  Various advocacy roles for foundations;
•  The tax code’s definitions of lobbying;
•  Activities that are exceptions to the definitions of lobbying, including those which private foundations can engage in;
•  Rules for private and public foundation grants to nonprofits that lobby, including general support, specific project, and multi-year grants; and

Please note this session is required for anyone who plans to participate in the Hill Day as part of the SAFSF Forum on June 13th. The session will be recorded and we highly encourage you to watch in advance of the SAFSF Forum if you are not able to attend this session live.