public policy & advocacy

Florida Philanthropic Network plays an active role in representing philanthropy in Florida and in advocating as the voice for the philanthropic sector. FPN focuses its public policy work on the state level, but also is active in representing philanthropy with Florida's congressional delegation.

2023 FPN Public policy agenda

In 2023, the FPN Public Policy Committee and FPN Board of Directors approved a 2023 Policy Agenda. This agenda will be updated annually.


For the Philanthropic Sector

Advocate for full participation of foundations, corporate giving programs and nonprofits in public policy dialogue and advocacy that affects their organizations, communities, and the people they serve.

Recognize and support the role of foundations as stewards of resources for the public good to strengthen and improve the health and vitality of communities and residents.

Encourage robust charitable giving, donor advised funds as a giving vehicle,and respecting donor choice of privacy.

Encourage the growth, maintenance, and vitality of foundations and corporategiving programs.

Advocate the importance for continued transparent and equitable grantmaking practices.

Access to FPN-led and other statewide research reports for the philanthropic and non-profit communities to utilize timely data and analysis to inform policy and advocacy.

Reinforce the use of equity data as a lens across all areas in the philanthropic sector and the benefits of diversity and inclusion in philanthropy and supported systems.

Florida Priority Areas

Education: Support positions developed by the Education Affinity Group in early learning, K-12, and post-secondary education.

Health: Support positions developed by the Florida Health Funders to promote health equity, behavioral health and primary care, the nursing shortage, and telehealth.

Civic Engagement: Continuing to focus on advancing Civic Engagement, advocating for fair elections ensuring all eligible citizens have full and equal access to vote, and encouraging local and active participation in government and community.

Digital Divide Advocate for legislation and policies to address the digital divide across the state and the impact this issue has on education, health, and the workforce.

Download FPN’s 2022 Policy Agenda 

FPN affinity group position papers

FPN affinity groups alongside the FPN Public Policy Committee and the FPN Board of Directors created four positions papers to reflect the priorities of funders in Health and Education. These positions were created and authored in January 2023.

Health Position Paper

Education Position Paper – Early Learning

Education Position Paper – K-12

Education Position Paper – Post Secondary Attainment

State Policy

Florida Senate Session Information

Regular sessions of the Legislature begin on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March and continue for 60 consecutive days, which may be extended by a three-fifths vote of each house.  Special sessions may be called by the Governor, or may be convened by joint proclamation of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Special sessions may not exceed 20 days, unless extended by a three-fifths vote of each house. View information on the sessions here.

Find information on bills, calendars, reports, appropriations and more information at https://www.flsenate.gov/Session.

Find your elected officials in Florida

The 'Find Your Representative' system will take your address supplied and deliver your State House Member, State Senate Member, United States Congressional Member and supply details on the United States Senate members.

Florida Policy Institute (FPI)

The Florida Policy Institute is an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting widespread prosperity through timely, thoughtful, and objective analysis of state policy issues affecting economic opportunity.

ACT!Quick: Advocacy Capacity Tool

ACT!Quick is a short version of Alliance for Justice’s Advocacy Capacity Tool (ACT!) and is designed to provide a quick diagnosis of the strengths and gaps in organizations’ advocacy skills, knowledge, and practices, and identify areas for strengthening.

Federal Policy

Council on Foundations, Philanthropy Platform

The Council on Foundations maintains the Philanthropy Platform to articulate priorities clearly for current and future policymakers. The Philanthropy Platform presents philanthropy as a dynamic force for innovation, strategic thinking, and leadership that advances the common good. Philanthropy uses private resources and provides vital risk capital and expertise to inspire nonprofit investment and build vibrant communities. The Council, with its members and colleagues, will use the Platform to engage with and inform our nation’s policymakers about the benefits of philanthropy.


FPN Supports the Charitable Deduction

As Congress debates deficit reduction and tax policy, Florida Philanthropic Network maintains a policy position to protect the full value of the charitable deduction. FPN has contacted policymakers and urged them to prevent any limits or caps to the charitable deduction.

  • Florida Facts on the Charitable Deduction
  • In 2014, 1.76 million charitable deductions were claimed in Florida.
  • Floridians claimed $11.8 billion in charitable contributions on their 2014 tax returns.
  • The average contribution per itemized return for Floridians in 2014 was $6,767.
  • 45% of the charitable contributions reported on Floridians' 2014 federal tax returns were from people earning less than $200,000 per year.

Private Foundations Can Educate and Lobby on Charitable Deduction

It is legally permissible for private foundations to contact their legislators and specifically urge them to maintain the charitable deduction and oppose proposals to cap the charitable deduction rate, under the self-defense exception to private foundation lobbying rules. Private foundations do not have to remain neutral on legislation if it affects their existence, tax-exempt status, powers and duties, or the deductibility of contributions. The exception allows private foundations to communicate with legislators and their staff on these issues and to express an opinion on such legislation. Note that this exception applies to communications with legislators and their staff and does not apply to communications with a broader audience. While FPN is confident that communicating with legislators on this issue qualifies for the self-defense exception, the information in this notice is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. If you have any questions about how this general information applies to your specific situation, you should contact your legal counsel.
#protectgiving


Florida Philanthropic Network © 2020 - 2024
12191 W Linebaugh Ave, Suite 626, Tampa, FL 33626
Email: info@fpnetwork.org   |   Phone: 813-983-7399

Web Design By Association Matters Inc.  |  Terms and Conditions   |   Privacy Statement
Site Map

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software