Minnesota Council on Foundations Policies and Procedures for Government Relations and Public Policy MCF Board Approved March 12, 2013
Table of Contents Policy Page 3 I. Guiding Mission and Purpose for Government Relations and Public Policy Activities A. Guiding framework provided by MCF s Mission, vision and values. B. Guiding framework provided by MCF s Principles for Grantmaking. C. Guiding ramework provided by MCF s Strategic Plan. 4 II. Policy Goals and Principles 6 III. Public Policy Positions, Advocacy Priorities and Supporting Activities A. Scope of Public Policy Activities B. Public Policy Positions, Legislative Statement, Annual Advocacy Agenda and Leadership Initiatives IV. Process for Introducing and Considering Public Policy Positions and Leadership Initiatives A. Introduction of public policy proposals B. Process for reviewing and adopting public policy proposals C. Timing for introducing public policy proposals V. Roles and Responsibilities for Making Public Policy Decisions A. Board of Directors B. Government Relations and Public Policy Committee C. MCF Issue-based Member Networks VI. Overnment Relations and Public Policy Committee Operations A. Primary responsibilities B. Membership and leadership C. Operations VII. Adopting and Changing the Government Relations and Public Policy Policies and Procedures A. Adoption of policies and procedures B. Provisional changes to procedures and guidelines 7 11 13 15 16 MCF Government Relations & Public Policy / Policies and Procedures 2
Policy MCF engages in public policy as a means to advance and create the changes envisioned in its mission, vision, values and strategic plan. MCF s public policy activities are broadly defined to include advocacy to identify and promote opportunities for change and lobbying to influence specific legislation, regulations or administrative actions. MCF represents its collective membership through direct engagement in public policy activities. MCF supports its members independent public policy activities through capacity building. Public policy positions adopted by MCF are the positions of the Council and not of its individual members. MCF adheres to all state and federal laws and restrictions related to participating in lobbying and engaging in political activities. MCF encourages and supports its members in adopting principles and practices that also adhere to these federal laws and restrictions. MCF Government Relations & Public Policy / Policies and Procedures 3
I. Guiding Mission and Purpose for Government Relations and Public Policy Activities MCF s mission, vision, values, strategic plan and Principles for Grantmakers provide the guiding framework for its public policy activities. A. Guiding framework provided by MCF s mission, vision and values: 1. MCF seeks to expand and strengthen a vibrant community of diverse grantmakers who individually and collectively advance the common good. 2. MCF aspires to provide leadership and act with integrity to: a. Assure that the state s changing communities are reflected in its philanthropy, b. Engage its members and key stakeholders through self-organized networks that further learning, action, and social change, c. Create new models for effective philanthropy, d. Act to create positive change through collaboration and by galvanizing diverse voices and perspectives to create a more prosperous, inclusive and equitable Minnesota. B. Guiding framework provided by MCF s Principles for Grantmaking: 1. MCF and its members... honor diverse charitable expressions across the wide economic, racial, ethnic, and social spectrum. We celebrate new and traditional forms of giving that respond to human needs, build community, increase knowledge and promote creative expression. We acknowledge the fundamental roles and responsibilities of engaged individuals and the public, private and nonprofit sectors in a just and equitable society. We embrace philanthropy s role in a civil society. We are leading advocates for public policy to sustain robust philanthropy. We work strategically through grantmaking and other means to improve the vitality and health of our communities, to educate our members and the field, and to achieve our collective mission of strengthen and expanding philanthropy. 2. MCF and its members engage in the public policy process, including funding and/or participating in lobbying and advocacy activities. We a. Advocate publicly for issues that relate to our mission and values, or to support such efforts, or advocate for the interests of the charitable sector. b. Engage in proposed legislation or other public policies affecting the communities and constituencies served through our members grantmaking, and c. Adhere to all state and federal laws and restrictions related to participating in lobbying and political campaigns. C. Guiding framework provided by MCF s Strategic Plan: MCF s Leadership for the Future 2012-2014 Strategic Plan provides strategic direction for MCF to: 1. Foster trust and understanding of philanthropy and serve as a reliable source of information for public officials, media, and the public. MCF Government Relations & Public Policy / Policies and Procedures 4
2. Actively promote legislation that grows and sustains philanthropy and charitable giving. 3. Support members and key allies in their efforts to have an impact through public policy activities, with a particular focus on state level policy issues. 4. Respond to unique opportunities to address statewide policy issues to eliminate disparities that are reflective of barriers to creating a more prosperous, inclusive, and equitable Minnesota. MCF Government Relations & Public Policy / Policies and Procedures 5
II. Policy Goals and Principles Public policy goals describe the long-term vision for the impact of MCF s public policy activities. Public policy principles describe long-term objectives that support MCF s public policy goals. The goals and principles are general and enduring statements that are infrequently revised or expanded upon. They form the primary organizing framework for MCF s Legislative Statement and Annual Advocacy Agenda. Goal 1: Expand philanthropy, charitable giving and Minnesota s community of grantmakers Supporting principles: a. Value and Role of Philanthropy 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 citizens. b. Charitable Incentives Encourage all people to give to charities of their choice without influence, restriction, or inequitable treatment. c. Maximize Grantmakers Potential Impact Encourage the growth, maintenance, and vitality of foundations and corporate giving programs. d. Oversight of the Sector Promote effective, ethical and accountable management of charitable resources by foundations and corporate giving programs e. Advocacy and Capacity 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. f. Equitable Workplaces Ensure the ability of grantmakers and MCF to fully perform their roles as equitable employers. Goal 2: Create a more prosperous, inclusive and equitable Minnesota by eliminating disparities. Supporting principles: a. Bring Minnesotans together in collaborative efforts to create prosperity through positive changes that help all Minnesotans flourish, thrive and achieve success through Education Human Services Civic Engagement and Civil Rights Community and Economic Development Arts, Culture and Humanities Health Environment Religion International Affairs Other activities that reflect MCF member grantmaking priorities b. Promote inclusion and equity to create prosperity for all Minnesotans, and c. Address root causes and barriers that result in disparities in how some Minnesotans are included in or experience the benefits of the State s prosperity. MCF Government Relations & Public Policy / Policies and Procedures 6
III. Public Policy Positions, Advocacy Priorities and Supporting Activities Decisions to adopt public policy positions and advocacy priorities and to assign resources to support public policy activities are ultimately the responsibility of the Board of Directions. The Government Relations and Public Policy Committee develops recommendations for board action and facilitates member and stakeholder engagement to inform those recommendations where appropriate. The MCF staff supports the Board and Committee s work in identifying, evaluating and adopting public policy positions, and develops and implements program and service work plans and budgets. A. Scope of Public Policy Activities 1. Advancing the Collective Interest. MCF advances the collective interest of its membership through direct engagement in public policy activities. Direct engagement may include any of the following public policy activities: a. Research and dissemination Sponsoring or conducting nonpartisan research and analysis about public policy issues. b. Policy development Development of proposals for legislative, regulatory or administrative actions. c. Public education and media advocacy Conveying information to the public and groups or producing news and shaping news coverage to educate about a policy issue d. Networking to convene, educate, organize and mobilize Holding meetings and educational events to promote awareness about a public policy issue and to develop a plan for action. e. Building and engaging in coalitions Helping to create or participating in teams of people and organizations to work on policy issues. f. Leadership development Providing education, training, and leadership opportunities for individuals to participate in public policy activities. g. Lobbying Attempting to influence specific legislation or changes in regulations or administrative procedures. h. Grassroots lobbying Educating, organizing and mobilizing members and stakeholders to influence specific legislation or changes in regulations or administrative procedures in accordance with applicable laws and MCF Principles for Grantmakers. i. Resource development Supporting grantmaking for public policy activities. j. Evaluation Assessing and demonstrating the impact of public policy activities 2. Supporting Members Independent Activities. MCF supports its members independent public policy activities through capacity building. Capacity building is intended to help members participate in public policy activities or support public policy activities through grantmaking. MCF capacity building may include research and dissemination, education and training, networking opportunities, and technical assistance. B. Public Policy Positions, Legislative Statement, Annual Advocacy Agenda and Leadership Initiatives 1. Public policy positions describe legislative, regulatory and administrative interests. They reflect MCF interests and desired changes that may be addressed through legislation, regulations or administrative action. Positions are adopted by the MCF Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Government Relations and Public Policy Committee, as further MCF Government Relations & Public Policy / Policies and Procedures 7
described further in these procedures and guidelines. a. Public policy positions must be: Consistent with MCF s public policy goals and principles. Adopted with a specific effective date of up to five years and remain in effect through that time period or unless revised or eliminated by the MCF Board of Directors. b. Deliberations to evaluate and adopt a public policy position will consider all of the following criteria: 1. Fit with MCF mission, values, strategic plan, Principles for Grantmakers and public policy goals and principles 2. Sound and reliable research and evidence to demonstrate need or opportunity and that supports the proposed change and policy position 3. Relevance to MCF members, community of Minnesota grantmakers and broader communities of Minnesotans 4. Potential for achieving results 5. Credibility and perception of MCF as a stakeholder 6. Consultation with key partners; consideration of various viewpoints 7. Opportunity to work through coalition 8. Relationship to other MCF public policy and advocacy activities 9. Consequences that are acceptable to MCF 10. MCF and its members have capacity to provide or secure resources necessary to support the advocacy activities c. Policy positions include recommendations for allocation of advocacy resources:: 1. Lead. A unique, significant and sustained commitment of MCF advocacy resources. Likely to entail use of most if not all of the types of advocacy and lobbyng activities. Likely to be incorporated into a policy position that would be included in the Annual Advocacy Agenda or would be the focus of a Leadership Initiative. 2. Advocate. A significant commitment of MCF advocacy resources. A distinguishing feature might include combining policy development with lobbying and grassroots lobbying activities, along with other advocacy activities. Likely to be incorporated into a policy position that would be included in the Annual Advocacy Agenda. 3. Support. A purposeful though limited commitment of MCF advocacy resources. A distinguishing feature might include engaging in colations as the primary strategy for supporting policy development and lobbying activities. Likely to be incorporated into a policy position that would be included in the Annual Advocacy Agenda. 4. Educate and Promote. A limited commitment of resources. Distinguishing features might include public education, media advocacy, and/or networking to convene, educate, organize and mobilize interest. Likely to be included in MCF s Legislative Statement. 5. Monitor. A limited commitment of resources. Distinguishing features might include acting independently or working with others to research, share information, monitor decision-making processes, and assess if other advocacy action is needed. Likely to be included in MCF s Legislative Statement. 2. Legislative Statement. MCF maintains a compendium of its current public policy positions in MCF Government Relations & Public Policy / Policies and Procedures 8
the Legislative Statement. Positions in the Legislative Statement: Are reviewed at least annually by the Government Relations and Public Policy Committee to consider additions or changes. Remain in the Legislative Statement through their effective date. Are removed from the Legislative Statement through action of the MCF Board of Directors. Are removed from the Legislative Statement after the effective date has passed, unless the position is renewed through action of the MCF Board of Directors. Are routinely monitored to assess if changing contexts to merit consideration for inclusion in the Annual Advocacy Agenda. 3. Annual Advocacy Agenda. MCF s advocacy priorities from among its public policy positions are set forth in an Annual Advocacy Agenda. The Annual Advocacy Agenda consists of public policy priorities that reflect a timely need or opportunity or an obligation to members or stakeholders that is expected to require an unusual commitment of advocacy resources. The Annual Advocacy Agenda: Is developed annually by the Government Relations and Public Policy Committee and typically adopted by the committee during the fourth quarter of the calendar year. Is approved annually through action of the MCF Board of Directors and typically adopted during the fourth quarter of the calendar year. Remains in effect for one year after adoption through action of the MCF Board of Directors. 4. Leadership Initiative a public policy initiative that can benefit in a unique way from MCF s involvement as a catalytic leader working through coalition with its members, key stakeholders and other community partners. It is advanced through a strategic use of multiple public policy activities. It is a unique commitment for MCF: typically, MCF will only have one or two Leadership Initiatives in effect at a given time, if any. a. Leadership Initiatives must be: Comprised of policy positions included in MCF s Legislative Statement. Supportive of one or both of MCF s public policy goals and supporting principles. Intended to have a significant impact in Minnesota. An initiative that will uniquely benefit from MCF s involvement. A major advocacy commitment to provide targeted and sustained effort through a period of several years. b. Review and Adoption. A Leadership Initiative is a. Developed through a special and extensive assessment process that draws upon MCF s criteria for evaluating and adopting a public policy position and includes opportunities to directly engage MCF members and key stakeholders. b. Developed through the guidance of the Government Relations and Public Policy Committee which results in a recommendation for action to the MCF Board of Directors. c. Adopted through action of the MCF Board of Directors. c. Criteria. Deliberations to evaluate and adopt a Leadership Initiative typically include the same criteria used to evaluate and adopt a public policy position, through with greater MCF Government Relations & Public Policy / Policies and Procedures 9
scrutiny. Typically, these deliberations include the following: 1. Fit with MCF mission, values and public policy goals and principles Including impact on creating a more prosperous, inclusive and equitable Minnesota by eliminating disparities, 2. Sound and reliable research and evidence to demonstrate need or opportunity and that supports the proposed change and policy position Including a special and extensive process that engages MCF members, key stakeholders and public, private and independent sector partners to identify a unique need or opportunity to improve prosperity, inclusiveness or equity in Minnesota by addressing disparities. 3. Relevance to MCF members, community of Minnesota grantmakers and broader communities of Minnesotans; Demonstrated by member interest and engagement, including significance of current grantmaking activity, civic engagement or public policy leadership, or participation in MCF s deliberations to evaluate and adopt a Leadership Initiative. 4. Potential for achieving results Supported by a comprehensive and credible plan for action. 5. Credibility and perception of MCF as a stakeholder Including a need and potential benefit for MCF to provide catalytic leadership, and potential to create a network of partners who share complementary interests and capacities to work together through coalition. 6. Consultation with key partners Consideration of interests of key partners including the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and other nonprofit, government, public and private sector partners. Consideration of various viewpoints. 7. Opportunity to work through coalition Cultivation of relationships with others in a commitment to work together 8. Relationship to other MCF public policy and advocacy activities -- Including capacity and availability to provide extensive and sustained resources to support the Leadership Initiative while sustaining MCF s other advocacy and public policy commitments. 9. Consequences that are acceptable to MCF. 10. MCF and its members have capacity to provide or secure resources necessary to support the advocacy activities MCF Government Relations & Public Policy / Policies and Procedures 10
IV. Process for Introducing and Considering Public Policy Positions and Leadership Initiatives MCF members introduce public policy proposals. The Government Relations and Public Policy Committee provides leadership to evaluate public policy proposals and to develop recommendations for MCF Board action. MCF staff supports the introduction and review of public policy proposals. A. Introduction of public policy proposals 1. Members initiate consideration and review of public policy proposals. 2. Proposals may be introduced by: a. Action of the MCF Board of Directors b. Action of the Government Relations and Public Policy Committee or other MCF committee c. Action of an MCF member network, including its issue based member networks d. Inquiry of a group of MCF members who share an active interest in a policy e. MCF staff, including but not limited to issues of interest to professional networks in which MCF has a significant membership interest 3. Proposals are best presented in writing and to the extent possible should address the criteria for evaluating policy positions set forth in these policies and guidelines. MCF staff may provide assistance to help prepare a proposal for consideration and review. B. Process for reviewing and adopting public policy proposals 1. Leadership to facilitate evaluation and adoption of public policy positions is coordinated through MCF s Government Relations and Public Policy Committee. 2. Typically, public policy proposals are provided to MCF staff to facilitate evaluation and review by MCF s Government Relations and Public Policy Committee and Board of Directors. 3. MCF staff conducts an initial review of proposals, providing assistance in gathering information about the proposal and making an initial recommendation to the Government Relations and Public Policy Committee. Proposals that staff recommend not be advanced for public policy positions or action are also presented to the Committee for review. The staff review is conducted in consultation with the Government Relations and Public Policy Committee Chair. 4. MCF staff may work directly with member networks, including MCF issue based member networks, to develop public policy proposals to be presented to MCF s Government Relations and Public Policy Committee for evaluation and consideration for action. 5. The Government Relations and Public Policy reviews recommended public policy positions, priorities, activities and, if applicable, leadership initiatives, using the criteria set forth in these policies and guidelines, and presents its recommendations to the Board of Directors for final action. MCF Government Relations & Public Policy / Policies and Procedures 11
6. The Board of Directors approves all positions, priorities, activities and leadership initiatives. 7. Provisional review and adoption of public policy positions. a. MCF s President may take interim action to adopt a public policy position on behalf of the organization in unusual circumstances when action is required on a matter that is not addressed in MCF s Legislative Statement. b. The President will consult with the Board Chair and the Chair of the Government Relations and Public Policy Committee to agree upon the interim action. In unusual circumstances, it may be feasible to consult with only the Board Chair or the Committee Chair. In their absence, consultation may be with another Board officer. c. The interim action will be immediately reported to the Board of Directors and the Government Relations and Public Policy Committee. d. The interim action will be presented for review and inclusion in the Legislative Statement at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Government Relations and Public Policy Committee. This review may include recommendations that further develop the public policy positions. e. The Committee s recommendation will be presented to the next regularly scheduled meeting of MCF s Board of Directors. 8. Proposals that are not adopted as MCF public policy positions, priorities, activities or leadership initiatives may be considered for MCF member services or communications activities, including but not limited to education or training, a member-facilitated networking event, treatment in MCF member communication services, or technical assistance. C. Timing for introducing public policy proposals. 1. Public policy proposals may be introduced at any time. 2. Typically, MCF s Government Relations and Public Policy Committee evaluates and develops recommendations on public policy positions according to the following schedule: a. More intensive evaluation activity occurs during the second and third quarters of the calendar year. b. Action on a recommendation to add a public policy position to the Legislative Statement may occur at any time during the year. c. Action on a recommendation to add a public policy position to the Annual Advocacy Agenda is taken during fourth quarter of the calendar year. d. Leadership Initiatives are evaluated and adopted on an exceptional basis. MCF Government Relations & Public Policy / Policies and Procedures 12
V. Roles and Responsibilities for Making Public Policy Decisions MCF s Board of Directors establishes the framework for MCF s public policy work and adopts public policy positions. The Government Relations and Public Policy Committee manages the review of public policy proposals and develops recommendations for MCF Board action. MCF issue-based member networks collaborate with the Government Relations and Public Policy Committee. MCF staff supports the public policy work of the Board, Government Relations and Public Policy Committee, and issuebased member networks. A. Board of Directors 1. The Board of Directors establishes the framework for MCF s public policy advocacy work through adoption of the organization s mission, values, vision and strategic plan. The Board defines the scope of work through its budget actions and adoption of Policies and Procedures for Government Relations and Public Policy. 2. MCF public policy positions are approved through action of the Board of Directors. Actions include: Adoption of public policy positions for inclusion in the Legislative Statement. Adoption of the Annual Advocacy Agenda. Adoption of Leadership Initiatives. Adoption of the MCF budget that allocates resources to support public policy work. 3. Action of the Board of Directors, while based on consultation with members and key stakeholders and representative of the collective interests of members, represent public policy positions of the Council and not those of each of its members. B. Government Relations and Public Policy Committee 1. The Government Relations and Public Policy Committee provides leadership to coordinate evaluation of public policy positions, plan scope of work, evaluate the resources needed to advance MCF s public policy work, and develop recommendations for action by the Board of Directors. 2. The Committee: a. Guides the development of the scope of MCF s public policy advocacy work through Recommendations to revise the Policies and Procedures for Government Relations and Public Policy Advice and consultation to MCF staff on service development, delivery and annual work plan Advice and consultation to MCF staff to support government relations and lobbying activities b. Guides the evaluation and adoption of policy positions by recommending Public policy positions for inclusion in the Legislative Statement An Annual Advocacy Agenda Leadership Initiatives MCF Government Relations & Public Policy / Policies and Procedures 13
c. Organizes its work by Adopting a job description consistent with the Policies and Procedures for Government Relations and Public Policy Adopting an annual committee work plan and schedule Engaging MCF members as committee members and through participation in task forces to undertake special assignments C. MCF Issue-based Member Networks 1. MCF Issue-based Member Networks and affiliated networks and coalitions may choose to participate in the work of the Government Relations and Public Policy Committee in the following ways: a. Committee Membership Networks may request to designate one of its members to be appointed to the Government Relations and Public Policy committee. b. Policy Positions Networks may propose public policy positions that advance MCF s public policy goals and principles as described in this policy and guidelines, for adoption by the MCF Board of Directors. Network public policy position proposals are presented to the Government Relations and Public Policy Committee for evaluation and development of a recommendation for Board action. Public policy positions proposed by networks may be in effect for a time period to be designated by the Board, typically between three to five years. Adopted positions may be renewed, subject to evaluation by the Government Relations and Public Policy Committee and Board action. As with any public policy positions adopted through Board action, those proposed by networks will be incorporated into MCF s Legislative Statement. They may be considered for the Annual Advocacy Agenda. Networks may represent its Board-approved policy positions as also being a MCF policy position. MCF will work collaboratively with networks to develop and implement advocacy strategies and activities to support Board-adopted policy positions. MCF advocacy support will be subject to available resources. c. Leadership Initiatives Networks may propose a Leadership Initiative that advances MCF s public policy goals and principles as described in this policy and guidelines, for adoption by the MCF Board of Directors. MCF Government Relations & Public Policy / Policies and Procedures 14
VI. Government Relations and Public Policy Committee Operations The Government Relations and Public Policy Committee provides recommendations to MCF s Board of Directors to guide its public policy work, and provides advice to MCF staff to implement the organization public policy services. The Committee is organized on an annual basis. A. Primary Responsibilities 1. Evaluates proposals and recommends actions to the MCF Board of Directors related to public policy positions. The committee annually recommends Board action on the Annual Advocacy Agenda. The committee periodically recommends Board action on matters related to the Legislative Statement and Leadership Initiatives. 2. Evaluates proposals and recommends actions to revise MCF s Policies and Procedures for Government Relations and Public Policy. 3. Provides consultation and advice to MCF staff to support planning and implementation of government relations and public policy advocacy activities and member services, including planning and implementation of the MCF Government Relations and Public Policy annual work plan. B. Membership and Leadership 1. Members are appointed by the committee chair. 2. The committee is comprised of MCF members. Representatives from community stakeholders that share an interest in MCF s public policy work may be appointed to the committee. 3. Members serve one year terms. Terms are renewable each January. Members may serve unlimited terms. 4. The chair is designated by the MCF Board of Directors. The chair works with staff to plan, organize, and facilitate the work of the committee. The chair may designate a vice chair. 5. The chair and members participate in MCF advocacy and member service activities, and also provide leadership to encourage MCF member involvement. C. Operations 1. The committee adopts an annual work plan and schedule to guide the committee s work. 2. The committee typically meets four to five times annually in January, April, June, September and November. 3. The committee may form task forces to support its work. 4. The committee maintains a committee job description and job descriptions for any of its task forces MCF Government Relations & Public Policy / Policies and Procedures 15
VII. Adopting and Changing the MCF Policies and Procedures for Government Relations and Public Policy MCF s Policies and Procedures for Government Relations and Public Policy are periodically reviewed and reviewed. Revisions are subject to approval by the MCF Board of Directors. A. Adoption of Policies and Procedures 1. The Government Relations and Public Policy Committee chair or the chair of the Board may initiate adoption or revision of these policies and procedures. 2. The Government Relations and Public Policy Committee evaluates and develops a recommendation for Board action. 3. These policies and procedures are adopted and revised through Board action. B. Provisional Changes to Procedures and Guidelines 1. The Government Relations and Public Policy Committee may make provisional changes to procedures and guidelines. 2. Provisional changes are subject to timely ratification by the Board. MCF Government Relations & Public Policy / Policies and Procedures 16