Written By: Sophy Yem, Senior Program Officer, Philanthropy, Surdna Foundation
On my trip earlier this year to Washington, D.C. with Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR) I experienced first hand the critical ways in which foundations can engage in advocacy work. This trip was part of the annual Foundations on the Hill conference run by the United Philanthropy Forum, where philanthropic organizations meet with policymakers and their staff.
GCIR’s goals for this event were clear: to amplify the voices of immigrants and refugees, to advocate for policies that support these communities, and to build strong relationships with elected officials. These goals are essential for creating a supportive policy environment for immigrants and refugees and ensuring their contributions to society are recognized and valued.
As a Cambodian refugee who fled at six months old, I spent my early childhood in a Thai refugee camp and arrived in America at three through the 1980 Refugee Act. My personal experiences deeply inform my passion for immigrant and refugee issues. This trip was my first time attending such an event, and it highlighted the significant role that foundations play in raising awareness and advocating for vital support for these communities.
Philanthropy, particularly foundations, can use their credibility by signing on to causes or meeting with elected officials about pressing issues. While some foundations cannot allocate funds for lobbying activities or directly lobby lawmakers on specific legislation, strategic advocacy efforts can influence support for immigrants and refugees. Surdna Foundation, where I work, has always supported and followed the lead of our grantee partners who drive advocacy efforts. We believe in empowering frontline organizers, movement builders, and nonprofit advocacy groups without overshadowing their crucial work.
During the trip, our delegation navigated meetings with individuals and groups who were deeply opposed to our agenda. Engaging with these opposing viewpoints was daunting, yet the GCIR staff handled these interactions with remarkable diplomacy and steadfastness. They continued to passionately advocate for immigrants and refugees, even when faced with challenging conversations that viewed immigrants and refugees as criminals and drains on the economy. This aspect of the visit underscored the need for more narrative change to counter negative views of immigrants and refugees by sharing that they add value to the economy and society.
Reflecting on the whole experience, I appreciate the hard work GCIR put into advocating for this cause and coordinating the event. However, the limited time at Foundations on the Hill underscored the vast scope of work still needed and the potential for greater impact through prolonged and deeper engagement. It was a profound reminder of the ongoing commitment required to build a robust immigration rights ecosystem.
I strongly encourage foundation staff to learn more about the public policy goals of their grantee partners and ask how they can be helpful in supporting these goals. This support can include participating in events like Foundations on the Hill, meeting with Hill staffers to reinforce policy ideas, convening strategic meetings with elected officials, educating themselves about the policy-making process, funding polling and focus groups to test policy proposals, and/or supporting policy analysis and development via think tanks and research groups. These are just a few examples of the wide array of valuable actions funders can take in the advocacy space.
Attending sessions like Foundations on the Hill not only broadens your understanding of the advocacy landscape but also deepens your engagement with critical issues affecting our communities. It's a unique opportunity to witness and contribute to the collective effort in building relationships and dialogues that uphold the dignity and rights of immigrants and refugees.