Representing Colorado’s Community at Foundations on the Hill
Bringing Nonprofit, Foundation Perspectives to Capitol Hill at A Pivotal Moment
Foundations on the Hill provided an opportunity to protect the philanthropic sector, advocate for community needs amid federal budget cuts
Every year hundreds of people who work at foundations gather in our nation’s capitol for Foundations on the Hill. The public policy and advocacy conference unites the philanthropic sector and strengthens our collective voice on Capitol Hill. It is presented by United Philanthropy Forum, Council on Foundations, and Independent Sector. Philanthropy Colorado organizes the staff from Colorado foundations who make their way to D.C. to meet with members of Congress.
We met with staff and members of all 10 of Colorado’s Congressional Delegation
For the first time, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado (WFCO) sent a representative. As director of programs, policy, and advocacy – I took the flight from Denver to Washington to ensure that members of Congress heard WFCO’s and our partners’ perspectives at this pivotal point in our country’s history. Though I lived in D.C. for a few years and interned on The Hill, I didn’t know what to expect in this new era. It couldn’t envision the outcome of my three and a half days in D.C. Namely, I knew we would face a federal government controlled by one party with policy priorities deeply misaligned with WFCO’s priorities, an unprecedented and undoubtedly destructive budget fight, and new members of Colorado’s delegation.
First, the conference rooted us in the federal budget process and helped us understand how foundations and nonprofits might be considered as “pay fors” in the budget fight. This means we could be looked at as a revenue-raising source through new taxes. We also prepared for potentially tough conversations by role playing our Hill visits and practicing talking points.
Next, we trekked over to The Hill to meet with staff or members of all ten of Colorado’s Congressional delegation. I met with Sen. Bennet and Sen. Hickenlooper. I also met with Rep. Degette’s staff, Rep. Evan’s staff, Rep. Boebert’s staff, Rep. Pettersen’s staff, and Rep. Crank’s staff. Others from Colorado met with the remaining members’ offices.
We helped members members of Congress see the vital services we provide
In these meetings we solicited support for the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. We needed to help new members better understand the vital services we provide to community. Most importantly, when members of Congress need to make tough choices on a smaller budget, we asked them not to do so at the expense of foundations and nonprofits. Additionally, we asked them to sign on as co-sponsors to create of universal charitable deduction and ensure that nonprofits and foundations are not taxed.
Unquestionably, government will be smaller after this year. Staff of Colorado foundations explained to our Colorado delegation how cuts to key programs like Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), WIC, or Head Start will hurt the prosperity of our communities. Specifically, if potential cuts to SNAP are realized, 10% or 584,500 Colorado residents could be impacted. Almost two-thirds of SNAP participants are families with children. As a result, we know foundations will be relied upon to fill the gap of government funding. But we won’t be able to meet the demand. Consequently, our neighbors’ health, homes, and access to basic needs will be at risk if the proposed deep cuts are actualized.
We stated that foundations cannot fill the gap of government funding and community health, homes, and access to basic needs are at risk
While the results of our requests varied, we were encouraged that members across the political spectrum acknowledged that nonprofits are an important cornerstone of our state and the diverse array of programs we offer – from food banks to after school programs to work force development – are key to a brighter future.
At The Women’s Foundation, we will continue to build relationships with the Colorado members of Congress to share how federal cuts and grant freezes impact our community. If you have a story to tell, please reach out to me.
At a time when I know many of us feel lost by the barrage of federal changes happening every day, I encourage you to stay connected to your favorite nonprofits and foundations. Build relationships with your members of Congress, their staff, and your elected officials at all levels – and communicate with them.
In May, WFCO is hosting a legislative session wrap-up event. We hope you will join us. While the event will be focused on state level policy, it will be an opportunity to connect with values aligned individuals and learn more about how you can become more civically engaged here at home. Registration is not open yet, but let me know if you are interested and I will let you know when it’s ready.
