Public Foundations
Private Foundations
Funding 501 (c)(4) Organizations
Funding Voter Registration and Get-Out-The-Vote Efforts
Activities Related to State Ballot Initiatives
Grant Agreement Language
What Your Grantees Can Do

While these resources are extensive, you should obtain specific legal advice as you develop public policy grantmaking programs.

Before a foundation engages in public policy grantmaking, it should assess internal capacity. The public policy process is mercurial and can require long-term involvement that sometimes puts you in the public eye. Foundation leaders, including staff, board members, and trustees, should fully discuss the policy issue and possible scenarios.

Internal commitment to the grantmaking effort, including agreement on underlying politics, a willingness to take on any perceived risk, and a long-term vision for the foundation's role will help ground the foundation's efforts and guide staff. It is best to discuss possible challenges and opportunities before they arise.