Every spring, United Philanthropy Forum, Council on Foundations, and Independent Sector host the largest annual policy conference for the philanthropic sector, Foundations on the Hill (FOTH). In February 2025, Forefront led a historically large delegation from Illinois to FOTH; read more below and plan now to join us in 2026!

The 2025 Illinois Delegation

Grantmakers and public charities of all sizes and types from every corner of Illinois participated in Foundations on the Hill in 2025, showcasing the sector’s depth, diversity, expertise, and engagement. Thank you to these organizations for their time and efforts:

• Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy (CAAIP)
• Comer Family Foundation
• DeKalb County Community Foundation
• Depression Bipolar Support Alliance
• Healthy Communities Foundation
• Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation
• Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living
• IFF
• Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
• Michael Reese Health Trust
• Quad Cities Community Foundation
• Quad County Urban League
• Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation
• Steans Family Foundation
• TASC and Conlon Public Strategies
• The Chicago Community Trust
• The Foundation for Northwest Illinois
• The Joyce Foundation
• The Planned Giving Initiative
• William G. McGowan Charitable Fund

Meetings with Congressional Officials

In 2025, we secured meetings with both Illinois State Senators and sixteen of the seventeen House members representing Illinois from both sides of the aisle. We are grateful to the staff of these offices for helping to coordinate these important conversations and engaging in thoughtful discussion, including:

• Senator Tammy Duckworth (Senator attended)
• Senator Dick Durbin
• Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL-1)
• Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-2)
• Rep. Delia Ramirez (IL-3; Rep. attended)
• Rep. Chuy Garcia (IL-4; Rep. attended)
• Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-5)
• Rep. Sean Casten (IL-6)
• Rep. Danny Davis (IL-7; Rep. attended)
• Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8)
• Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-9)
• Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10)
• Rep. Bill Foster (IL-11; Rep. attended)
• Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12)
• Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13)
• Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14)
• Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-16; Rep. attended)
• Rep. Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

Rep. Darin LaHood sits on the influential Ways & Means Committee in the House

Rep. Danny Davis is Co-Chair of the Philanthropy Caucus and also serves on the Ways & Means Committee

We met with key staff from Rep. Brad Scneider’s Office, who is IL’s 3rd member of the Ways & Means Committee

Rep. Bill Foster speaks with his constituent, our colleague from Quad Cities Urban League

With Rep. Chuy Garcia

2025 Priorities and Impact

At each Congressional meeting, delegates educated policymakers about the work of their organizations in the district, and Forefront staff discussed the Charitable Act (S.317 / H.R. 801; FACT SHEET) and tax fairness for nonprofit employers. As a result of these conversations, at least 4 additional Illinois House members cosponsored the Charitable Act, which may be taken up in the broader tax package later this year.

We also discussed the impact of Executive Orders on nonprofits in Illinois and raised concerns about the impact of proposed Medicaid cuts on health care access, jobs, and rural hospitals. Each office was given data showing the nonprofit workforce and Medicaid enrollment in their district.

Finally, and most importantly, delegates went home with stronger advocacy skills and improved relationships with each other and with Congressional offices. These connections make us more effective in between FOTH gatherings as individuals and as a sector.

Stay Connected + Get Involved

In the coming weeks and months, Forefront staff will follow up with Congressional offices to encourage them to co-sponsor and support the Charitable Act, protect Medicaid. We will also continue communicating the ongoing impact of federal funding cuts, executive orders, and contract changes. Join our advocacy efforts:

1. Sign Up for Policy Action Alerts.  Help to educate lawmakers and amplify issues important to the nonprofit sector in Illinois. Read more about federal priorities on our Federal Agenda page. Sign up for future alerts here.
2. Watch Forefront’s Advocacy 101 for Foundations training.  This recording is available on our YouTube Channel and covers dos and don’ts for foundations when it comes to engaging in advocacy (including the self-defense exception) and funding advocacy work.
3. Subscribe to our BiWeekly Statewide Newsletter.  Get the latest policy updates, upcoming events, tools, resources, and more that will help you meet your mission and strengthen your impact, when you sign up for Forefront’s Social Impact Sector Updates newsletter. See the related link on the bottom of this page.
4. Follow Us on Social Media.  Stay connected on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and X to learn about how Forefront educates, unifies, and mobilizes the Illinois social impact sector.

FOTH is FUN!

Tiring, but joyful. We hope to see you in 2026! These connections are tremendously valuable, not just with each other as sector colleagues, but also to strengthen our connections with our Illinois lawmakers.

Traditional Crowded Elevator Photo