Policy Priorities

Policy that Works for People and Communities

Public policy shapes how resources and power flow, and philanthropy has a responsibility to help ensure those systems work for everyone. Strong, healthy communities depend on governments that are responsive, transparent and representative of the people they serve.

That’s why Philanthropy Northwest advocates for a strong and effective charitable sector and supports our members to use their voices in policy conversations. Together, we focus on two core goals:

Promoting a more equitable and racially just region
Expanding philanthropic and public resources for underinvested communities

Census

A fair and accurate census is a foundation of democracy; it determines political representation, directs trillions in federal funding and also informs strategic decisions by foundations and charitable organizations to serve our communities. Philanthropy Northwest has helped mobilize cross-sector partnerships across the region, including managing a statewide pooled fund in Washington during the 2020 count. We will support our partners across the region as communities prepare for the 2030 Census.

Why it matters: Without a complete count, communities risk losing both voice and resources for critical needs like schools, healthcare and infrastructure.

Charitable Giving

Philanthropy Northwest advocates for a universal charitable giving incentive that encourages broader participation in giving across the income spectrum. By making giving more equitable and efficient, we can expand the pool of resources available to communities.

Why it matters: When more people can give, more resources reach nonprofits serving on the frontlines of community needs.

Donor-Advised Funds

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are an increasingly popular vehicle for giving, but without guardrails, too many charitable dollars remain parked instead of reaching communities. We support common-sense regulation to improve transparency and ensure timely payout of DAFs, alongside education and research to guide future policy.

Why it matters: Accountability ensures charitable dollars do what they’re meant to do - strengthen equity and opportunity across the region.

Nonprofit–Government Partnership

Nonprofits are the nation’s third-largest workforce and play a vital role in delivering trusted services to communities. We advocate for policies, such as the Nonprofit Stakeholders Engaging and Advancing Together (SEAT) Act, that strengthen nonprofit–government collaboration and improve how resources flow between sectors.

Why it matters: Strong partnerships ensure nonprofits have the tools and stability to meet community needs effectively and equitably.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

The crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people, especially women, girls and Two-Spirit individuals, demands urgent attention. We have commended the passage of Savanna’s Act and the Not Invisible Act and continue to advocate for governments at all levels to prioritize this issue.

Why it matters: Policy action is essential to address systemic injustice, protect Indigenous lives and ensure safety for communities too often overlooked.

Johnson Amendment

The Johnson Amendment protects the independence of philanthropy and the nonprofit sector by prohibiting partisan political activity by 501(c)(3) organizations. We strongly oppose efforts to weaken or repeal this safeguard.

Why it matters: Keeping nonprofits nonpartisan preserves public trust and keeps resources focused on serving communities, not political candidates.

How We Set Our Policy Priorities

We identify new policy priorities by listening to our members and the communities they serve. Any Philanthropy Northwest member can bring an issue forward to our policy staff for consideration on how we can take action. Policy staff carefully review and recommend organizational priorities alongside our Public Policy Committee. This collaborative process ensures our advocacy aligns with our strategic objectives - reflecting both sector-wide needs and community priorities.