Highlights of This Edition
- Resource Spotlight: New Forum Website Features Revamped Public Policy Webpages
- Forum’s Evans Seeks to Testify at Treasury Hearing on DAF Regulations
- Submit Session Proposals for Philanthropy + Policy Institute by May 15th
Highlights of This Edition
Key News + Announcements
Resource Spotlight: New Forum Website Features Revamped Public Policy Webpages
Last week, the Forum officially launched our new website featuring revamped public policy and advocacy webpages, updated content, and improved navigation. The site is designed to provide a clean, user-friendly, and accessible experience for our members to help drive connections and foster a courageous sector.
Members and visitors can find the redeveloped Public Policy page, which overviews our strategy and initiatives, under the "Our Work" drop-down menu and webpage. The Advocacy page, which showcases the breadth of advocacy efforts at the Forum, is highlighted in the main menu visible across all pages.
Beyond the Policy and Advocacy pages, check out the Policy Issues page, which highlights our focus areas; the District to D.C. Advocacy Network page, which showcases how to get involved; the Policy Resources page, which houses featured resources; and much more!
If you have any questions and/or concerns about the new policy pages, please contact Senior Public Policy Associate Nate Borek.
Forum’s Evans Seeks to Testify at Treasury Hearing on DAF Regulations
United Philanthropy Forum Senior Director of Public Policy Matthew L. Evans submitted a request to testify during the Treasury hearing taking place May 6th, which was scheduled in response to comments the agency received on proposed donor-advised fund (DAF) regulations. Treasury is set to release a list of confirmed speakers for the hearing shortly.
Based, in part, on member feedback, Evans' remarks would cover the following concerns about the proposed regulations.
If you have any questions and/or concerns about this issue, please email Matthew L. Evans.
Forum and Sector Advocates Help Charitable Act Garner Most Co-Sponsors Yet
In the House, the Charitable Act has 16 new co-sponsors thanks, in part, to the efforts of the Forum network and sector advocates who have continued to build on the momentum of #FOTH2024. The total number of co-sponsors is now 59 in the House (30R, 29D) and 24 in the Senate (12D, 12R), the largest to date.
The Forum urges FOTH attendees, sector leaders, and advocates to continue to follow up with lawmakers and/or staff to thank them for their time and ask if they have committed to co-sponsoring the bill. Thanks to those of you who already circled back and helped garner the support of these new co-sponsors.
The Census Project’s Letter Calling for $2B in FY2025 Census Bureau Funding Includes Forum Members
On April 10th, The Census Project sent a letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittees urging them to provide the Census Bureau with $2 billion in FY 2025 and oppose any proposals that would use the agency as a funding offset.
The list of organizations that added their name to the final letter includes the Council of Michigan Foundations, Forefront, and the Minnesota Council on Foundations.
PSO Resources + Updates
Submit Session Proposals for #PPI2024 by May 15th
Leveraging the momentum from last year, the Forum invites member input on session design and proposals for the Philanthropy + Policy Institute 2024, taking place virtually on October 4th.
Forum members are encouraged to submit session ideas that seek to inform attendees about public policy as a practice and build their advocacy capacity by Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
We look forward to session submissions! If you have questions about submitting a session proposal, please contact Forum Senior Public Policy Associate Nate Borek.
Save the Date for Foundations on the Hill 2025
United Philanthropy Forum’s Foundations on the Hill – the largest annual public policy and advocacy conference dedicated solely to the philanthropic sector – will be held March 16-19, 2025, at the JW Marriot in Washington, D.C.
Mark your calendars and share the #FOTH2025 dates and recap of this year’s conference with your foundation members.
State + Local Public Policy News
Federal Judge Rules that Miami’s Voting Map is Racially Gerrymandered
On April 9th, a federal judge found that Miami’s voting map is racially gerrymandered, siding with local civil rights groups and the ACLU of Florida who filed the suit. “By sorting its citizens based on race, the City reduced Miamians to no more than their racial backgrounds, thereby denying them the equal protection of the laws that the Fourteenth Amendment promises,” U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore wrote in his filing.
Learn more about the lawsuit and ruling.
North Carolina Health Roundtable Focuses on Public Policy and Black Maternal Health and Mortality
To mark Black Maternal Health Week, the Biden-Harris campaign hosted a roundtable conversation in Durham, North Carolina. Local leaders, health practitioners, and advocates discussed recent successes – including postpartum Medicaid coverage expansion – and new roadblocks to addressing inequitable maternal mortality rates in the state and nationally.
Read NC Newsline’s article on the roundtable.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear Signs Donor Intent Bill Into Law
So-called “donor intent” legislation was signed into law this month in Kentucky. Governor Andy Beshear signed SB70, a bill introduced in January and passed by the legislature in March. The law will require charities to abide by endowment agreements and allow civil recourse if an agreement is broken.
The Forum follows this issue and will keep members apprised. If you have questions about this or similar bills, please contact Senior Director of Public Policy Matthew L. Evans.
The Philanthropy + Policy Update regularly features state updates from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities’ State Priorities Partnership (SPP).
Florida Policy Institute Advocates Against Loosening Child Labor Laws
Despite the Florida Policy Institute's efforts to advocate against weakening child labor laws, the state legislature passed the final version of HB 49, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to work more than 30 hours per week with parental approval.
However, through the efforts of the FPI and coalition partners, the legislature modified the final bill, helping to reduce its potential impact on the health and safety of teens.
Georgia Budget and Policy Institute Publishes Fact Sheet on State Health System
In March, the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute developed a fact sheet assessing the state health system. Comparing counties across the state, the resource highlights the degree of severity of the coverage gap – a category whereby a person doesn’t qualify for Medicaid and doesn’t qualify for tax credits that make marketplace health plans affordable.
Advocacy from Across the Forum Network
Funders Together to End Homeless CEO Speaks at Rally Outside SCOTUS
On Monday, Funders Together to End Homelessness (FTEH) staff participated in a rally in front of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) during oral arguments for the Johnson v. Grants Pass case, which will decide whether cities can arrest people for sleeping outside even when no shelter is available.
Amanda Andere, FTEH CEO, delivered remarks at the rally: "Our neighbors without homes need welcoming communities that see and honor their full humanity. Solutions to homelessness are possible when we welcome our neighbors inside."
FTEH, National Alliance to End Homelessness, and Enterprise Community Partners filed an amicus brief in the case earlier this month.
Forum Members Co-Sponsor Briefing on Census Data Equity
Census Equity Initiative (CEI) and cosponsors are hosting Advancing Census Data Equity for Native American Communities on April 29th. The virtual briefing seeks to provide an understanding of the importance of decennial census and American Community Survey (ACS) data for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Co-sponsors include Funders' Committee for Civic Participation, Florida Philanthropic Network, Minnesota Council on Foundations, and Native Americans in Philanthropy.
Find details on the CEI briefing page.
Minnesota Council on Foundations and Sen. Klobuchar Promote Universal Charitable Deduction
On April 14th, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) was joined by the Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF), the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, and the East Side Freedom Library to promote the Charitable Act.
Check out the MCF announcement and local news coverage for details.
Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Founder Pens Op-Ed on DAF Reform
Gerry Roll, Founder of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, wrote an op-ed last week calling for a new policy approach to donor-advised fund (DAF) sponsors. Noting broad support for efforts to regulate DAFs, Roll argues in favor of new legislation distinguishing between smaller DAF sponsors – such as community foundations – and larger commercial gift funds.
Read the op-ed to learn more.
Legislative Calendars
House of Representatives
The House of Representatives is in pro forma session.
View the House of Representatives calendar.
United States Senate
The United States Senate is in pro forma session.
View the United States Senate calendar.
2024 State Legislative Session
For State Legislative Calendars:
View the National Conference of State Legislatures' 2024 State Legislative Session Calendar.
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