Establishing the Community Foundation Awareness Initiative (CFAI)
Public Policy and Advocacy
The Challenge:
The Philanthropy Practice’s first client in 2012 was one of the nation’s largest community foundations (CFs). While helping this foundation engage its Congressional delegation, we had a critical realization: why wasn’t there a dedicated voice for community foundations in Washington? CFs exist in every Congressional district and are uniquely positioned to bring a constituent perspective to philanthropic and nonprofit issues.
That insight led to the launch of the Community Foundation Awareness Initiative (CFAI), starting with 18 CFs and now representing over 170 foundations across 47 states. Today, CFAI ensures Congress and the public understand the indispensable role CFs play in every community.
Key accomplishments include:
Defending against harmful legislation: In 2021, CFAI mobilized CF leaders nationwide to oppose the Accelerated Charitable Efforts (ACE) Act. Through education and targeted engagement, the bill stalled with minimal support.
Shaping regulatory outcomes: When the Treasury Department released draft donor-advised fund (DAF) regulations in 2023, CFAI organized testimony from 14 leading CF CEOs and orchestrated Hill visits. The proposed rules remain unadopted.
Maintaining visibility: To keep CFs top-of-mind, we launched a regular newsletter for Congressional staff showcasing CF work on housing, disaster relief, and other pressing issues.
Informing debates: During the 2025 tax negotiations, CFAI delivered daily updates to partners. The resulting legislation omitted restrictive DAF provisions and expanded the charitable tax deduction.
Targeted advocacy: Beyond tax policy, CFAI has engaged on issues like scholarships, affordable housing, disaster relief, the 2020 Census, and budget impacts on vulnerable families.
The Results:
Our objective is to shape future policy, not simply respond or react.
Hill staff once unfamiliar with CFs now seek their input: “What do the community foundations in my state think about this issue?” Today, CFs are widely recognized as one of the most effective philanthropic voices in public policy.
Organizing Grantees for Fly-In Days: Private Foundation
Brand Building and Strategic Communications: Community Foundation Awareness Initiative
