Public policy work is integral to philanthropy’s work and the communities you support, strengthening our sector in Ohio and across the country. We’d like to share with you how Philanthropy Ohio has re-envisioned and evolved its public policy work, presenting a new structure in 2024 with a laser-focused Public Policy Committee leading efforts to strengthen the charitable sector. The new approach “sets the table” for all funders to engage in the state’s education policy, health policy, housing policy and democracy work through new Policy Tables.
The Policy Tables offer new opportunities for all member funders to collaborate and leverage your collective expertise and resources to scale advocacy solutions more effectively. Philanthropy Ohio will continue to bring together policymakers, experts and advocates to engage directly with funders; build and strengthen relationships; and lobby with you and on your behalf for the issues important to you, your communities and our sector.
There is great power in the collective and immense value in learning with and from your peers working in the policy/advocacy space and taking those ideas back to your foundations. Our goal is to engage more members in advocacy and make policy learning more accessible. It’s critical that everyone has a voice, and these tables emphasize inclusivity.
The quarterly Policy Tables are open to all members and guided by member co-leads. The Policy Tables will develop topical public policy priorities for action by the Public Policy Committee. Such priorities include seeking new legislation and reacting to introduced bills, exploring collaborations and public/private partnerships and advising on funder education needs and programs in the advocacy space.
Philanthropy Ohio will remain an independent and non-partisan voice and, when appropriate, will continue to take positions and lobby on state and federal legislation. The Philanthropy Ohio Board of Trustees votes on such positions as recommended by the Public Policy Committee and as informed by the Policy Tables. Philanthropy Ohio will also continue engaging with government relations consultants to stay informed of the statewide policy landscape in order to be proactive and respond when needed on relevant issues.
The Democracy, Education, Health and Housing Policy Tables will meet in May and quarterly moving forward. We encourage you to join one or several Policy Tables to learn how your voice connects to your grantmaking. Register now – we’ve saved you a seat at the table!
- Health Policy Table Thursday, May 2 at 9 – 10:15 a.m. via Zoom
- Housing Policy Table Thursday, May 2 at 2 – 3:15 p.m. via Zoom
- Democracy Table Tuesday, May 7 at 2 – 3:15 p.m. via Zoom
- Education Policy Table Wednesday, May 8 at 9 – 10:15 a.m. via Zoom
In addition, our team has the following policy learning sessions planned virtually for this spring and summer. Stay tuned for invitations to learn more about advocacy and how your foundation can get involved!
- Health-Related Social Needs Series – Healthy Food Access (May 20, 11 a.m. – Noon)
- Foundation Support for Lobbying and Other Advocacy (May 22, 2 – 3:30 p.m.)
- Building Nonpartisan Partnerships (June 26, 10 – 11:30 a.m.)
- Health-Related Social Needs Series – Housing (July 10, 10 – 11 a.m.)
- Influencing Public Policy in the Digital Age (July 24, 10 – 11:30 a.m.)
- Health-Related Social Needs Series – Care Coordination (Aug 29, 10 – 11 a.m.)
For more information or questions, please contact Deborah Aubert Thomas or Adrienne Wells.
Philanthropy Ohio Policy Table Co-leads
Democracy Table Co-leads
Valerie Lemmie, Kettering Foundation
Nicholas P. Turner, The Nord Family Foundation
Education Policy Table Co-lead
Allison Veryser, Mathile Family Foundation
Health Policy Table Co-leads
Rick Kellar, Peg’s Foundation
Jill Miller, bi3
Housing Policy Table Co-leads
Megan Folkerth, Interact for Health
Melissa A. Kleptz, The Troy Foundation