The Advocacy Working Group is a diverse group of funders dedicated to strengthening the voice of philanthropy and driving policy change. We bring together key individuals who have influence within their organizations to explore how their resources and advocacy efforts can be used most effectively to create a more just, democratic, and equitable society.
Our members leverage their unique knowledge and experiences, sharing insights with fellow funders to navigate contemporary issues and identify new opportunities in the field. The group also regularly meets with key community leaders, partners, and policymakers to understand the policy landscape and the role of philanthropy in a way that is guided by two core priorities: standing in strong allyship with our nonprofit partners and protecting the autonomy of philanthropy to support communities freely and effectively.
By fostering these connections and facilitating dialogue, the working group aims to maximize the impact of its members' philanthropic efforts and contribute to a strong and sustainable nonprofit ecosystem.
Member Responsibilities
This working group acts as a facilitator for its members, providing a space to share insights, discuss challenges, learn from experts, and identify opportunities for collective action. Members are expected to actively participate by:
- Attending at least half of all working group meetings.
- Attending at least two (2) working group-sponsored programs per year.
- Using the listserv to foster an exchange of useful information and nurture a vibrant learning community.
Working Group Membership
The working group is composed of funders who are looking to deepen their engagement in public policy and advocacy. We welcome members from organizations focused on a wide range of issue areas, whether they work at a local, state, or national level. All members are expected to be active participants and bring their diverse perspectives and experiences to the table.
Interested in becoming a member of this working group? Please fill out this form to inquire.
Meeting Schedule
The working group meets on a quarterly basis with a pause for end-of-year holidays and summer break.
Online Discussion Group/Listserv
As a member of the Advocacy Working Group, you have access to an online discussion group and listserv. This is a space where you can share resources, post events, and start new conversations with your peers.
To start a discussion, you can email advocacy@groups.philanthropynewyork.org. Your message will be shared with all active members of the working group.
The full archive of past threads can be found on the discussion board here. Please note that you must be logged into your Philanthropy New York account to access the group. If you've forgotten your password or need to set one up, you can use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page.
Please review our listserv guidelines here before engaging.
If you have any thoughts, questions, or feedback regarding this working group, feel free to contact Marlon Williams, PNY’s Executive Vice President of Public Policy & Collaboration, at mwilliams@philanthropynewyork.org.