Congressional Philanthropy Caucus Relaunches with Bipartisan Leadership

United Philanthropy Forum has announced that the Congressional Philanthropy Caucus has officially relaunched in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Caucus reestablishes a dedicated venue for philanthropy and policymakers to work together on charitable giving, community investment, and the long-term health of the philanthropic ecosystem.

Led by Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT) and Danny K. Davis (D-IL) of the House Ways and Means Committee, the bipartisan Caucus restores a crucial channel for sustained engagement between philanthropy and Congress.

This relaunch, announced yesterday, on Giving Tuesday comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of the philanthropic sector. It underscores the growing need for visible, coordinated advocacy that highlights philanthropy’s contributions to communities and a healthy civil society.

Read the official congressional announcement.

Forum President & CEO Deborah Aubert Thomas shared the following statement in celebration of this news.

"On behalf of the United Philanthropy Forum and our nationwide network representing over 7,000 funders, I applaud Representatives Moore and Davis for their leadership in reestablishing the Congressional Philanthropy Caucus. Philanthropy is often the first to respond and the last to leave in communities facing urgent challenges.

This bipartisan Caucus is an important step toward ensuring that lawmakers fully understand the vital role of foundations and philanthropic investment in driving local solutions, fostering innovation, and partnering with the public sector.

We look forward to working with the Caucus to strengthen charitable giving policy and advance public–private partnerships that improve lives in every corner of the country."

Forum's Role in the Caucus Relaunch

The return of the Congressional Philanthropy Caucus reflects months of strategic engagement by United Philanthropy Forum and its national network of philanthropy-infrastructure organizations. This year, the Forum worked closely with members of the House Ways and Means Committee to support the relaunch and to strengthen the foundation for ongoing collaboration between philanthropy and Congress.

This work centered on:

• Reestablishing a formal bipartisan venue for dialogue between philanthropy and federal lawmakers
• Highlighting philanthropy’s vital role in responding to community needs and strengthening civil society
• Laying groundwork for a long-term advocacy infrastructure that can withstand shifts in the political environment

These efforts align with the Forum’s broader strategy to build a durable, coordinated advocacy infrastructure that supports philanthropy’s ability to advance the sector, strengthen communities, and work constructively with government.

A Renewed Platform for Sector Engagement

The Congressional Philanthropy Caucus offers a structured way for House members and their staff to deepen their understanding of how philanthropy:

• Strengthens charitable giving and encourages generosity
• Partners with government and community leaders to solve complex challenges
• Mobilizes resources and expertise to respond to emerging needs
• Contributes data, stories, and on-the-ground insights that can inform decision-making

The Caucus creates a focal point for bipartisan dialogue about charitable giving incentives, regulatory issues, and the long-term policy environment shaping the work of the sector and its impact on communities nationwide.

The Congressional Philanthropy Caucus was first started in 2007, but hasn’t been active since the passing of former co-chair Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) in 2022. As the Caucus resumes activities, IPA members will have expanded opportunities to share their stories, elevate community needs, and support informed policymaking.

What Comes Next

IPA will work with United Philanthropy Forum to develop and share tools to help members engage with the Caucus. This will include guidance on inviting House members to join and participate in future briefings and activities.

Foundations on the Hill 2026 will serve as a key moment to grow Caucus membership and demonstrate the sector’s collective commitment to constructive, bipartisan engagement with Congress.

By working together to strengthen the Congressional Philanthropy Caucus, the sector can help ensure that philanthropy’s expertise and community connections are reflected in federal policy conversations that shape the environment for charitable work.

Your advocacy is critical to strengthening our collective voice and building momentum for this important work.

Register for #FOTH26 today