Federal Liaisons
The Council’s Philanthropic Engagement Liaisons in the Executive Branch
Since November 2011, the Public-Philanthropic Partnership Office in the Council’s Public Policy Department has hosted a quarterly meeting with a cadre of staff from various federal departments and agencies. The Federal Liaisons program brings together a mix of political appointees and career employees from Cabinet Departments and various independent agencies, such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Education, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, State Department, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. The meetings provide an excellent forum for mutual relationship-building, information exchange, partnership development, and cross- sector learning. Through these information exchanges, the Council has a standing opportunity to orient federal staff about the role of philanthropy and the potential benefits of partnerships between foundations and government entities. The convening also provides a unique forum for federal colleagues to interact with each other about philanthropy strategies and partnerships as there is no specific government vehicle for this purpose. Participation is open to any federal staff who have responsibilities for engagement of philanthropic organizations for their agency or department.
The Council also hosts a Global Liaisons quarterly roundtable open to staff working in the partnership offices of governments, government-adjacent, or INGOs. Global Liaisons is through invitation only.
White House Liaisons
The Council’s relationship with the White House is maintained through regular communications with key initiative offices when they reflect philanthropy's mission interests. Past examples of initiatives where the Council engaged White House policymakers and program staff were: the Office of Social Innovation and Civic Engagement, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the veterans and military families' initiative, Joining Forces, and various outreach efforts undertaken by the Office of Public Engagement on issues reflective of the sitting President's agenda.
