In today's dynamic policy landscape, philanthropic foundations play a crucial role in shaping a more equitable and thriving society. In collaboration with Bolder Advocacy, a program of Alliance for Justice, PNY is offering an adapted "Investing in Change" training designed to equip our members with the essential knowledge and tools to confidently engage in advocacy and empower their nonprofit partners to do the same. This session is especially relevant as we collectively work to advocate for principled philanthropic giving, stand in allyship our nonprofit partners, and champion policies that ensure a sustainable and thriving nonprofit ecosystem.
This comprehensive workshop will delve into the nuances of foundation engagement in advocacy. We'll explore how foundations can safely undertake various advocacy activities and implement best practices for grantmaking that provide maximum flexibility for your grantees under the law. We'll tackle key questions such as: How can your foundation advocate effectively on issues like protecting nonprofit and philanthropic institutions’ ability to fulfill their missions (including centering equity and inclusion)? What are the parameters for funding grantees that lobby, particularly when advocating for living wages for nonprofit workers or expanding nonprofit and community input on legislation? And how can your efforts contribute to supporting a fully functioning multi-racial democracy? This training will provide clear answers and practical guidance.
Please join us to deepen your understanding of advocacy's vital role in philanthropy and its alignment with Philanthropy New York's policy strategy.
What will you learn?
- Why public and private foundations should support advocacy;
- 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
- Grant agreement language that permits support for policy work.
Speakers
- Melissa Marichal Zayas, Bolder Advocacy Counsel, Alliance for Justice
- Marlon Williams, Executive Vice President of Public Policy & Collaboration, Philanthropy New York
Who should attend?
All interested foundation staff, including funders and trustees in grantmaking, advocacy, public policy, and related roles. What to expect: presentation and workshop followed by Q&A.
Registration
Registration is required by October 1st.
Members: To register yourself and/or a colleague at your organization, please log in and click the Register Now link above. (No fee.)
Non-Member Funders: This offering is exclusively for PNY members. If you have any questions or would like to explore becoming a member, please email Ariane Cruz at acruz@philanthropynewyork.org.
What else should you know?
This session complements Investing in Change: A Funder’s Guide to Supporting Advocacy and aligns with PNY's 2025-26 Policy Strategy.
In Collaboration With
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Bolder Advocacy, a program of Alliance for Justice