It's a Wrap!
More than 300 philanthropy leaders from 28 states gathered in Washington for #FOTH17, participating in hundreds of meetings with their representatives and senators. It was one of the largest gatherings in FOTH’s 14-year history, and the largest in the past nine years.
Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) is a multi-day event that brings together foundation leaders from across the country to DC for meetings with Congress about key issues of importance to foundations and philanthropy. FOTH is presented by the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, in partnership with the Alliance for Charitable Reform and Council on Foundations. Foundation trustees and staff work with their regional association to schedule meetings on Capitol Hill to personally discuss their work with members of Congress.
This year, participants in Foundations on the Hill advocated to maintain the full scope and value of the charitable deduction and about several additional tax policy issues that are important to growing charitable giving in our country. These issues include simplifying the private foundation excise tax and allowing IRA charitable rollovers to donor advised funds. Philanthropy leaders also voiced their support for the continued full enforcement of current law that prohibits 501(c)(3) charitable organizations from endorsing, opposing or contributing to political candidates and engaging in partisan campaign activities—also known as the “Johnson Amendment.”
In addition to tax reform, delegations talked with their congressional representatives about many other critical issues for our communities including housing, homelessness, health care, immigration, criminal justice reform, opportunities for people with disabilities, STEM education, workforce development and much more.
Please contact Erin Skene-Pratt with any questions about the event.
Forum Perspective
- Philanthropy Speaks Up in Washington
Forum President & CEO David Biemesderfer offers his own reflections on 2017 Foundations on the Hill and on why philanthropy’s voice is trusted, noticed and needed more than ever before
#FOTH17 Partcipant Perspectives
- Adding Your Voice to the Choir- Gretchen Greiner-Lott of Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers writers about her first-time FOTH experience
- Collective Voice Critical for Educating Florida Legislators on Issues Facing Philanthropic Sector- Mark Walker of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund shares his experience as a part of the Florida Philanthropic Network delegation
- Foundations on the Hill: A Sense of Urgency- perspective from nine-year FOTH veteran Mike Halligan of the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, who participated in the Philanthropy Northwest delegation
#FOTH17 Resources
- Check out our Storify
- #FOTH17 News Release: Philanthropy Leaders Urge Congress to Strengthen Charitable Giving