NY Funders Alliance is committed to strengthening effective philanthropy practice in New York by leveraging philanthropy’s collective, state-wide voice. We focus on building philanthropic collaborations in New York as well as being a conduit for grantmakers to engage in, and learn about, local, state and federal policy.
We strongly believe vibrant philanthropic and non-profit sectors are key, among other things, to supporting sustainable, livable communities in our regions, state, and country. Public policy challenges impacting the fabric of our communities are constant. In response, NY Funders Alliance focuses on convening conversations and conveying resources to strengthen the capacity of our members to advocate, develop cross-sector networks, and engage in shared learning and solution building. NY Funders Alliance remains deeply committed to this role as convener and capacity builder.
At the same time, when major federal and state policy changes could undermine the strength of the philanthropic and nonprofit sector or the health of communities being served by philanthropy, there is a reason to address public policy when and where appropriate.
To achieve its vision of being the leading voice for New York philanthropy in our region, NY Funders Alliance has a strong focus on engaging in the public policy arena at the state and federal levels. Convening and educating members around critical issues, monitoring and reporting on current legislation, building relationships with policymakers and advocating for policy change are strategies employed that allow NY Funders Alliance to be a strong voice for philanthropy’s interests.
The Policy Blog
The NY Funders Alliance blog offers policy updates, shares news from members, and snapshots of PhilanthroNews — that means news stories, articles, events of note, or information updates — from around our network and throughout the broad world of philanthropy.
Philanthropy & Public Policy Fellowship
The Philanthropy & Public Policy Fellowship engages emerging professionals and future leaders in the philanthropic sector to learn about the sector’s role in state and federal policy, how to effectively partner with federal, state, and local government, understand public policy impacts on the charitable sector and constituents served, and to gain a deeper understanding of philanthropy. We are currently seeking our next fellow. Join our team!
The fellowship, which expands NY Funders Alliance core offerings for all grantmakers in our network, is a pilot initiative. The inaugural pilot is made possible by support from the Adirondack Foundation – Generous Acts Fund, Health Foundation for Western & Central New York, and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.
Policy Platform
NY Funders Alliance has adopted positions on policy questions that directly affect the practice of philanthropy, the independence of our sector, and the regulations governing foundations and endowments.
Key Policies
NY Funders Alliance advocates for a legislative and regulatory environment conducive to organized philanthropy. The following policy statements were adopted by NY Funders Alliance’s Board of Directors (click each title to open the full policy statement):
Policy Resources
Foundations on the Hill
Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) convenes hundreds of foundation leaders from across the country to meet with Congress and highlight issues that matter most to philanthropy. Once a year, our sector speaks with a strong, collective voice on Capitol Hill.
The event’s goal is to ensure elected officials understand how philanthropy strengthens the social and economic fabric of our nation – and to emphasize the importance of philanthropy and government partnering to keep our sector healthy.
In February, Foundations on the Hill 2025 brought together more than 365 philanthropic leaders and advocates from 44 states for four days of programming, networking, and Capitol Hill meetings. Over the course of the event, participants shared the #FOTH25 Key Messages in more than 200 congressional meetings, resulting in dozens of offices signing on to co-sponsor the bipartisan Charitable Act, committee staff requesting additional data on policy priorities, and important new relationships with freshman offices.
Watch this space for information about Foundations on the Hill 2026, coming this fall.