Create visibility for philanthropy and issues you care about on Capitol Hill 

IPA's Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) delegation will meet with our elected officials—virtually—about the policies that matter most to our sector. Attendees advocate on behalf of the philanthropic sector and educate lawmakers about the importance of philanthropy in America, and the impact it has on their districts and constituencies.

Held in conjunction with United Philanthropy Forum, Council on Foundations, and Independent Sector, FOTH is an annual advocacy opportunity for grantmakers and philanthropy serving organizations (PSOs) to meet with their federal lawmakers. This event is the one time a year when philanthropy comes together to speak with one, unified voice to our policymakers about the unique and vital role that charitable giving plays in America.

Foundations on the Hill: 

• Informs and educates Congress about philanthropy
• Creates visibility for foundations and philanthropy on Capitol Hill
• Advocates on issues important to foundations
• Encourages Congress to view foundations as resources on key public policy issues
• Builds your organization’s relationship with lawmakers and their staffs

Your Attendance Has Impact

Regardless of your experience in policy work or participating in legislative visits, we invite and encourage all members to join. When polled by the Congressional Management Foundation, congressional staffers consistently indicated that direct constituent interactions have the highest influence on lawmakers’ decisions—more than any other advocacy strategies. 

By joining FOTH, your members of Congress better understand the impact of the work you do in Indiana and the policies necessary to ensure you can effectively carry out your missions. Building relationships with members of Congress and their staff is critical to influencing policymakers on issues that matter most and gaining their support for the philanthropic sector.  

How It Works

Prior to FOTH, IPA will schedule virtual meetings with your member of the Indiana federal delegation. During FOTH, our staff and other IPA members will join you in these meetings.

IPA's FOTH delegation lead Holly M. Davis will ensure you are fully prepared for these meetings and aware of all scheduling updates (calendar invitations sent to all registrants). You will be given policy priorities and topics of interest to discuss and invited to a pre-FOTH prep-call for additional guidance (March 16). 

While IPA members are meeting with members of the Indiana delegation, philanthropy partners from across the country will be meeting with their members as well. 

Questions

Please contact IPA Vice President of External Relations Holly M. Davis if you have questions about FOTH.