Foundations on the Hill 2023
Recap + Highlights
Last week, over 260 sector leaders, advocates, and guests came together in Washington, D.C., in the spirit of community and support of the common good.
Foundations on the Hill 2023 featured three consecutive days of programming, networking, and Hill visits, aimed at promoting a strong sector and advocating for vibrant, equitable communities.
In many ways, this year’s Foundations on the Hill was an unprecedented experience. During #FOTH2023, attendees got the chance to:
- hear from over 20 speakers and presenters, during a full day of advocacy and public policy-focused programming.
- network with colleagues from across the country, during 3 different FOTH related receptions.
- advocate on behalf of the sector and the communities we serve, with over 200 meetings on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.
- attend a press conference on Capitol Hill, led by Senators Lankford (R-OK) and Coons (D-DE), introducing the sector-supported Charitable Act.
This year, Foundations on the Hill represented the very best of what can happen when the philanthropic sector comes together in support of a collective goal.
As we continue our advocacy efforts during the 118th Congress, both here in Washington and in Congressional districts around the country, we hope the sector will continue to come together in the same spirit of collaboration and community that defined #FOTH2023.
On behalf of United Philanthropy Forum and our partners, Independent Sector and the Council on Foundations, we would like to thank #FOTH2023 attendees for the role they played in making the event a success. We hope it was a rewarding experience.
Below you will find brief daily recaps of #FOTH2023:
DAY 1
To kick off #FOTH2023, Matthew L. Evans, Forum Senior Director of Public Policy, spoke about the concept of a national community. Drawing from the late Barbara Jordan's 1976 Keynote Address at the Democratic National Convention in Madison Square Garden, he asked the sector to come together, using its tools, resources, influence, and voice, to help “create and sustain a society in which all of us are equal.”
This was followed by a full day of programming, which included interactive attendee activities and in-depth panel discussions, focusing on topics like the 118th Congress, racial equity, DAF regulation, and populism.
DAY 2
Day 2 of Foundations on the Hill began with a wide-ranging conversation with several senior-level Capitol Hill veterans. This discussion covered best practices for meeting with legislators and key policy issues that were top of mind for advocates.
#FOTH2023 attendees then headed out for their first full day of advocacy, capped by the Foundations on the Hill Capitol Hill reception at the Rayburn House Building.
DAY 3
Sector leaders and advocates finished #FOTH2023 strong with additional meetings, promoting a strong sector and vibrant communities on Capitol Hill.
Time on the Hill also included attending a press conference announcing the introduction of the sector-supported Charitable Act.
You heard us — it’s time to pass The Charitable Act! @ChrisCoons pic.twitter.com/tykdJLfpzo
— Sen. James Lankford (@SenatorLankford) March 1, 2023
Feel free to look back key #FOTH2023 moments by viewing more photos here.
You may also view the Council of Foundations' blog post about #FOTH2023.
A special thanks to our sponsors:
Questions or Feedback?
If you have any questions, please contact
Forum Senior Director of Public Policy, Matthew L. Evans
Foundations on the Hill was hosted by United Philanthropy Forum, in partnership with Independent Sector and the Council on Foundations.