Advance your foundation's mission by directly educating policymakers.

We Speak Philanthropy.

We speak philanthropy. Let's talk.
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Policymakers can’t fully appreciate philanthropy’s impact without hearing directly from you. Don’t miss your opportunity to make your voice heard.

When we started this practice over a decade ago, philanthropy struggled to communicate their vital work to policymakers. That’s why we specialize in helping community foundations, private and family foundations, and public charities tell their own stories in Washington—showing how their grantmaking improves lives, drives innovation, and strengthens communities. We complement the work of membership groups by helping individual foundations share their expertise. We help you make sure your mission, your results, and your perspective are heard. 

Direct engagement isn’t lobbying.
It’s education.

It’s legal.

It’s necessary.

It’s powerful.

We speak philanthropy. Let's talk.

Foundations turn to us to…

Advance their missions at scale.

Philanthropy has limited resources, but government drives systems change. By educating policymakers on the foundations’ work and lessons learned, ideas piloted with millions in philanthropic dollars can later attract billions in public funding. This isn’t lobbying—it’s sharing knowledge to expand impact.

Protect our sector.

Philanthropy is stronger when policymakers understand its value. Direct engagement helps elected officials see how foundations benefit their communities, reducing the risk of harmful policy proposals. Membership groups help, but they can’t replace the credibility of foundations telling their own story.

Support their teams.

Our D.C. presence gives your foundation practical support. We attend hearings, track policy developments, and report back to you. We’re your government relations partner — acting as your team’s eyes and ears to help you stay informed and do your best work.

  • “Jeff is well-respected on both sides of the aisle.

    Congressional staff know that a meeting with him will be a good meeting, because Jeff understands and discusses not only his clients’ needs, but he also comes prepared to talk about all sides of an issue—and how both his client and the Congressional office can benefit from a deeper relationship.”

    Douglas Kridler, President & CEO, The Columbus Foundation

  • “With so many issues in play in Washington, foundations more than ever need to stay on top of the intersection between policy and their work.

    American civil society is one of our country's, and philanthropy's, greatest innovations, because it expresses our caring, builds our communities, and fuels so much of our creativity, and innovation. As policy environments shift, this bedrock tradition of American democracy demands constant attention, which Jeff and his team keenly understand.”

    Grant Oliphant, CEO, Prebys Foundation, Former President & CEO of the Heinz Endowments and the Pittsburgh Foundation (both VSA clients)

  • “Private foundations and their grantees have valuable expertise that can—and should—inform government action.

    Van Scoyoc’s deep relationships on Capitol Hill and attentive support made it easy for dozens of Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation grantees to educate policymakers about issues of importance. VSA’s credo of 'big firm resources with small firm attention’ was true for our work.”

    Jason Wiens, Founder of Rise Policy and former Policy Director, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

  • “Jeff and his team have worked tirelessly over the last decade to put community foundations on the map in DC as vital local institutions elected officials should care about.

    He organizes and presents community foundations as constituents, which means Members of Congress pay attention to our views and issues. What I’ve been most impressed by is Jeff’s ability to seek input from everyone, and to take a coalition with 170+ disparate voices and keep us organized and on track. And when we need to act quickly and decisively when a real threat to our business emerges, Jeff is front and center leading the response and protecting our ability to do our important work.”

    Stephen Maislin, President & CEO, Greater Houston Community Foundation

  • "The policy updates from the Philanthropy Practice team are incredibly helpful.

    I especially appreciate being able to reach out directly to the team when I have a need in my own community. Jeff and his team make all their clients — even small-town community foundations — believe they are just important as the big foundations. I’m grateful to be part of the work!”

    Sarah McKinney, President & CEO, Athens Area Community Foundation

Results You Deserve.

Van Scoyoc Associates (VSA)

Learn more about VSA