Donors Forum supports the advocacy rights of foundations and nonprofits, and believes that they can and should participate in public policy dialogue that affects their organization, community and the people they serve. We work on behalf of foundations and nonprofits to educate public officials about the value and needs of these organizations and to advocate for public policies that promote philanthropy.

Donors Forum's policy agenda is guided by its policy principles which reflect our engagement in our state and federal policy issues. We advance our goals by creating a positive agenda, guided by our principles and in consultation with our public policy committe and our national associations including Independent Sector, Council on Foundations, and National Council of Nonprofits

Learn more about our public policy principles.

Issues and Legislation
Critical to the success of our policy work is our relationships with federal and state elected officials and regulatory agencies. We foster this work through visits and meetings involving our Members and Partners, and by working with Congress to advance our legislative goals and priorities.

• Federal
• State

Current Policy News and Events

News
Donors Forum educates and informs the sector about legislative and policy issues and events by sending a monthly Policy Update to members of its Advocacy Network.

• Donors Forum's Policy Update
  • Read past issues in the archive
  • Sign up to receive the free Policy Update
• Donors Forum has created a page of resources for the new Form 990, which includes tips, facts, sample policies, and best practices.

Events
Informational programs, advocacy trainings, and briefings on current policy issues such as the state budget are key elements of our effort to educate the sector about important policy issues.

• State Economy Briefings are held for nonprofits and foundations throughout the year to provide updates on the state economy and its impact on the sector.
• Read about past briefings in the archive.

 

• Attorney General's Charitable Advisory Council
  Donors Forum advances its relationship with state regulators by staffing the Illinois Attorney General's Charitable Advisory Council. This permanent body, created through legislation in 2001, advises the Attorney General on issues related to charities and charitable giving in Illinois. The Council is an effective and powerful voice within the Attorney General's office to understand, negotiate, and raise awareness around the many issues involved in regulating and enhancing charitable organizations in Illinois. The Council is comprised of nonprofit, civic, and community leaders from communities throughout Illinois.
  • Read about past Advisory Council Outreach Meetings in the archive.

 

• Advocacy Trainings
  Donors Forum is committed to strengthening the nonprofit community by informing and educating organizations on their right to advocate and lobby. Advocacy Trainings are held throughout the state of Illinois, often in partnership with local or national organizations. Trainings are designed to disseminate information regarding resources that support and strengthen the advocacy efforts of the Illinois nonprofit sector and allow nonprofits to engage in a dialogue with local lawmakers on key issues impacting the charitable sector.

• Read about past Advocacy Trainings in the archive.

Articles

• Smart and Ethical Principles and Practices for Public Interest Lobbying, Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest, January 2008
• Is Leadership Denial Feeding the Charitable Sector Crisis?, Responsive Philanthropy, 2008

Advocacy Resources

• Resource for Lobbying Questions
• Lobbying Guidelines
• Public Policy Links