Philanthropy plays a critical role in advancing housing justice and systemic change—but many funders remain uncertain about how they can legally and effectively engage in advocacy. This training by Alliance for Justice will equip foundation leaders and staff with a clear understanding of how private and public foundations can support advocacy efforts, including what activities foundations can engage in directly and how to fund grantees that advocate and lobby.

As we navigate pressing policy issues under the current administration—including legislation such as H.R. 9495—this session will provide real-world case studies and tailored guidance on how funders can leverage their voices and resources to support meaningful policy change led by community partners and organizers.

Participants will learn:

• Why public and private foundations should support advocacy, particularly in the context of today’s policy landscape.
• What activities constitute advocacy and public policy work.
• How foundations can engage in various advocacy roles while remaining compliant with legal guidelines.
• Key distinctions between advocacy and lobbying under the tax code.
• Exceptions to lobbying restrictions that allow private foundations to participate in certain advocacy activities.
• Guidance on making general support, specific projects, and multi-year grants to nonprofits that lobby.
• Best practices for grant agreement language that enables effective policy work.

This session builds on the insights from the Bolder Advocacy resource "Investing in Change: A Funder’s Guide to Supporting Advocacy" and is designed for foundation staff and trustees who want to maximize their impact in advancing equitable housing solutions.

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