Policy and Advocacy Do's and Dont's
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Benjamin Orr, Founder, President, and CEO of the Maryland Center on Economic Policy, speaks to MPN members at the 2026 Philanthropy Summit in Annapolis.
Foundations can engage in a range of policy and advocacy activities. There are some differences to what private foundations can do compared to public and community foundations. This list provides a starting point to help funders learn what they can and can't do.
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Note: This table was adapted from the Council on Foundation's Public Policy and Advocacy for Grantmakers.
Please refer to the full roadmap for more details.