A blog post by Robin Mockenhaupt, VFN’s Director of Policy & Advocacy
Since its launch, the Virginia Funders Network (VFN) has steadily expanded its capacity to help members understand how policy and advocacy can advance lasting community impact. This work has created a strong foundation of learning opportunities, practical resources, and strategic engagement. One of the three pillars in VFN’s strategic framework is on policy and advocacy, and we will continue to develop our work in this area over time.
Current Policy & Advocacy Focused Offerings
VFN’s efforts have included The Power and Potential of Policy and Advocacy: A Report for Virginia Funders, updated in 2026 (available for Members on the Member Only Portal); pre- and post-General Assembly briefings; Annual Conference sessions; virtual programs on emerging state and federal issues; policy discussions at Regional Funders Gatherings; and coordination of member participation in Foundations on the Hill (FOTH). Members also have access to advocacy templates, national resources through the United Philanthropy Forum, and issue-specific tools such as the philanthropic guide to broadband expansion developed with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.
We are now building on this foundation by strengthening relationships with state government and creating more opportunities for members to engage. During the 2026 General Assembly session, VFN hosted its first Advocacy Day, connecting members with legislators representing their service regions. This fall, a representative of Governor Spanberger’s administration will participate in several Regional Funders Gatherings to discuss Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation.
Policy & Advocacy Resources
VFN’s new member portal will further support this work by providing a centralized repository of resources to help members strengthen their policy and advocacy capacity. The policy and advocacy page includes information about VFN’s history and work in this area, our publication, videos, blogs, and a listing of organizations that might be additional references for your work.
Policy Engagement Survey
Last week, VFN also distributed a survey to learn more about relationships across our members’ teams with local, state, and federal elected and appointed officials. The findings will help VFN better understand the collective reach of our network, strengthen strategic engagement, and amplify philanthropy’s voice on issues affecting communities throughout Virginia. If you did not receive the survey, please contact Angie Molina Wood at angie@vafunders.org. We hope each person who received the survey will complete it – we need to hear from you! Please respond by August 31.
With your input and interest, VFN will continue to develop policy and advocacy resources and tools to help you in your work, so together we can better serve the needs of Virginia communities.