Unlike many independent or private foundations, the main goal of community foundations is the betterment of the very specific communities they serve. Community foundations also have the unique ability to publicly lobby and advocate for policy change in their regions of influence. Since the IRS clarified in its 2009 ruling that community foundations can participate and support lobbying and advocacy efforts, there have been conversations as to why and how a community foundation should incorporate policy work as part of its strategic model. This session will take a look at how much progress has been made in community foundations taking on policy work and the challenges they face today.
Deborah Ellwood 
Paul S. Grogan 
Richard Ober