As 2025 comes to an end, we celebrate the increased engagement of VFN Members on policy and advocacy issues that are central to their mission and strategy. While progress has been made, much more work lies ahead in 2026, and we look forward to working with members throughout the year.

Federal Updates

Bipartisan Philanthropy Caucus

After months of strategic engagement led by United Philanthropy Forum (UPF), Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT) and Danny K. Davis (D-IL) relaunched the Congressional Philanthropy Caucus on Giving Tuesday. The Caucus, which originally dates to 2007, is a key platform for philanthropy and policymakers to work together on charitable giving, community investment, and the long-term health of the philanthropic ecosystem. With renewed momentum around charitable giving policy and heightened scrutiny of the sector, this Caucus couldn’t come at a better time. Learn more about the Forum’s role in relaunching the Caucus.

Housing Grant Changes Paused

Following separate lawsuits brought by nonprofits and state government leaders, the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has halted or paused changes in grant making and policy that affected billions of dollars in grants, much of which goes to support the work of nonprofits. Right before the first hearing in a pair of lawsuits pursued by the National Alliance to End Homelessness and other organizations, HUD announced that it had paused proposed changes in how it distributes $3.9 billion in federal aid to efforts that help homeless people, reports the New York Times. HUD proposed to take billions of dollars away from Housing First programs and shift it to time-limited programs that impose work rules or treatment for mental illness or drug abuse. HUD says the pause is temporary.

Foundations on the Hill 2026 (#FOTH26)

The Foundations on the Hill 2026 (FOTH) will be held March 16-19 in Washington, DC. FOTH is open to all philanthropic leaders and staff, sector advocates, and nonprofit partners. We will again have a Virginia delegation to make visits to elected official on Capitol Hill.

During the 4-day event, Virginia funders and funders from across the US will participate in:

• Deep-Dive Workshops: Skill-building sessions on advocacy strategy, message framing, and policy analysis. 
• Strategic Plenaries: Hearing from national experts and sector leaders on the state of philanthropy. 
• Community Building: Town halls and networking receptions to strengthen peer relationships. 
• Coordinated Advocacy: Strategic, high-impact meetings with legislators and federal agencies.

Explore the Agenda Overview and make plans now to attend. The early bird deadline is February 27 at 11:59 pm ET. Key logistics details can be found on the FAQ page. We hope to see you there!

Virginia Updates

January 2026 will be a busy month in Richmond. The General Assembly convenes on Wednesday, January 14, and Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger’s inauguration as Virginia’s 75th governor (and first woman governor) will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026. 

VFN will hold its sixth annual Pre-General Assembly Legislative Briefing on Tuesday, January 6 from 2-3 pm. This briefing will provide you with an overview of what to expect during the 60-day session, and how to be engaged during and after the session.

The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) will hold its Nonprofit Advocacy Day 2026 on January 29 from 8 am to 3 pm at the General Assembly. Nonprofit Advocacy Day is hosted by the Center for Nonprofit Excellence – Virginia, the Virginia Funders Network, and the Dan River Nonprofit Network. Nonprofit Advocacy Day is an opportunity for philanthropic and nonprofit leaders, staff, and supporters to come together, amplify our collective voice, and engage directly with lawmakers about the issues that matter most to our communities. For more information contact Bess Littlefield, Bess@VAFunders.org.