Preparing for Transition: Post-Election Advocacy Rules for Philanthropy

The 2026 midterm elections have set the stage for a new chapter in Washington and in state capitals across the country. The weeks between Election Day and the day newly elected officials take office are a critical window for philanthropy. This is when campaign promises become concrete plans, priorities are set, staff is hired, and transition teams shape the agenda for 2027 and beyond.

Foundations are uniquely positioned to join those conversations, but only if they know the rules. 

What You’ll Learn

This interactive, hour-long session will equip participants with:

• Transition Landscape Analysis — How transitions unfold at the federal and state levels after the 2026 elections, and why the period before officials take office is a key opportunity for the sector.
• Know the Rules — Which transition-related activities count as lobbying, which don’t, and the scope of advocacy permissible under the law for philanthropy-infrastructure organizations and their foundation members.
• Practical Engagement Strategies — Actionable steps for engaging transition teams and government officials heading into 2027, including how philanthropy-infrastructure organizations can prepare and mobilize their foundation members.

Who Can Attend

The Forum invites senior leaders, policy teams, and board and committee members from:

• Philanthropy-infrastructure organizations
• Foundations, funders, and grantmaking entities
• Peer sector infrastructure organizations