Advocate Through Public Policy
SoCal Grantmakers pledges to pursue a policy agenda that supports philanthropy in advancing racial equity and social justice. We collaborate with policymakers and departments in the Southern California counties we serve, in addition to those at the statewide and federal levels. Our policy work includes heightened coordination with Philanthropy California, our statewide initiative, to analyze, discuss, and advocate for policies that support the values of our collective membership.
In addition to our legislative advocacy efforts, the SCG Public Policy team actively develops relationships with policymakers, funders, community activists, and other partners to build coalitions and further our policy agenda. We also engage our membership through programming and publications and work to strengthen our existing partnerships with the Governor’s office and other stakeholders who shape California’s policy landscape.
For more information on SCG’s advocacy work, please contact Emily Michels, Coordinator, Public Policy & Government Relations, at emily@socalgrantmakers.org.
SCG's Public Policy Agenda
SCG’s Public Policy Agenda consists of five broad, issue-based categories. In collaboration with our Public Policy Advisory Committee, we take bold positions on legislation and budget allocations that impact the philanthropic sector’s work. Our legislative advocacy includes coordinated letter-writing campaigns, individualized stakeholder outreach, public testimony, the production of amicus briefs, among other efforts.
Additionally, SCG has a specific focus on veteran populations and recognizes the unique and intersectional nature of the policy issues that affect veterans. We actively work to change the systems that prevent veterans and their families from accessing the benefits and supports that their service guarantee. Learn more about our collaborative veteran efforts.
Creating Access to Equitable Health Care and Sustainable Environments
Physical and mental health are inextricably linked to one’s environment. SCG recognizes that disaster preparedness work and climate policy are crucial to ensuring safe environments and creating long-lasting, positive health outcomes for historically marginalized BIPOC communities. We believe that integrated and well-rounded care within one’s community significantly influences success for everyone, from the insured to the underinsured to those relying on street medicine services.
Attaining and Maintaining Equity in Human Rights
SCG strongly supports universal respect for human rights and human dignity, justice, and equity for all people, regardless of race, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, or citizenship status. We believe respect for human rights should be evident in how individuals and communities are treated in our systems of support, including the penal system, child wellbeing, and the right to shelter and stable housing. We are committed to the attainment of human rights and will support our member's mission to advance equity through public policy and advocacy efforts.
Encouraging Economic Mobility and Prosperity
Economic stability and upward mobility are critical for individuals’ health, success, and pursuit of equity within our society. SCG supports an inclusive economic system that ensures anyone – regardless of their race, gender, age, or other diverse social identifiers – has full and fair access to economic opportunity, including but not limited to affordable housing, employment, and career training, social safety net programs, and education. Additionally, philanthropic support for COVID-19 recovery and future emergency preparedness policies is crucial for equitable economic betterment.
Uplifting Civic Engagement and a Fair Democratic Process
SCG believes that a healthy democracy is one where all people have the opportunity to participate in our decision-making processes. We believe our democratic system must include, at a minimum, a fair and complete census, a redistricting process that reflects the communities represented, and robust voting rights protections, especially for historically excluded populations. Through non-partisan and cross-sector efforts, we can ensure all voices are heard and remove all barriers to democratic participation.
Strengthening Philanthropy and Nonprofit Activities
We believe in advancing public policy that nurtures the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors to strengthen and grow our civil society. We do so by protecting nonprofit nonpartisanship and a tax policy that promotes charitable giving.
Signature Policy Events
SCG's signature policy events provide members with the opportunity to connect with state and federal lawmakers. We encourage participants to share their grantmaking efforts and best practices to scale our work and improve the lives of millions of Californians.
Foundations on the Hill
Once a year, the SCG team and our Philanthropy California delegation of statewide members convene to ensure policymakers in Washington, D.C., understand the landscapes of the communities we serve. Foundations on the Hill (FOTH) brings together hundreds of foundation leaders from across the country to meet with Congress and discuss issues of critical importance to philanthropy.
Sacramento Day
This annual gathering brings together our state’s elected officials with philanthropic leaders. SCG members participate in Sacramento Day to develop and cultivate relationships with fellow policy-oriented peers and policymakers. Together, we encourage legislators to view foundations as thought partners.
SCG Policy Conference
Every year, SCG convenes funders across California for our annual policy conference. We are proud to host various elected officials alongside the civic, philanthropic, movement leaders advancing bold policy agendas in our communities. This year, we will explore power building as a framework to strengthen the civic leadership of people most impacted by structural inequity and advance a community-led policy agenda.