EVENTS
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Public Charities Can Advocate Training Session
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The Equitable Transportation Fund partnered with Alliance for Justice to bring you the Public Charities Can Advocate Training Session: How Your 501(c)(3) Can Influence Policy for the Greater Good with Equitable Transportation Fund. When our laws and policies work for us, our communities win. Nonprofits have a close-up view of community needs and can and should take advantage of their right to influence law and policy. After this training, you will have a clear understanding of what advocacy activities your 501(c)(3) can engage in, what communications count as lobbying, and how to maximize your non-lobbying advocacy. 
Participants will learn:
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How federal tax law permits lobbying for charities and how lobbying is defined; 
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One easy step most charities can take to maximize the amount they’re allowed to spend on lobbying; 
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Yearly lobbying limits for charities; 
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Tips for taking advantage of the narrow definitions of lobbying – which will help charities make the most of their lobbying limit; and 
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How to apply these rules to ballot measure activities. 
Watch the recorded session here, password: 1+!$ZTj4 and download the session slides here.
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Transportation Learning Series
The Equitable Transportation Fund (ETF) launched this learning series to build field cohesion, inform philanthropic investment, and explore systems-change strategies in transportation. Rooted in ETF's commitment to equity, climate resilience, and people-centered mobility, this virtual series engages funders, advocates, and field leaders in discussions on pressing and often siloed issues in transportation policy and infrastructure planning.
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This learning series aims to:
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Connect funders and advocates working at the intersection of transportation and related sectors such as housing, environmental justice, land use, workforce development, economic mobility, and climate adaptation.
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Foster shared understanding of systemic challenges and opportunities in transportation.
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Identify pathways for cross-sector collaboration and collective action.
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Lay the groundwork for coordinated advocacy leading into the 2025-2026 federal infrastructure reauthorization.
Each session spotlights a relevant topic and features diverse voices from across the field in a moderated discussion format.​​​
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Session Recaps
Learning Series Session: Congestion Pricing
ETF kicked off its Transportation Learning Series on July 9 with a discussion on congestion pricing not just as a policy tool, but as a case study in winning broader climate and transportation fights.
Speakers Ben Furnas (Transportation Alternatives) and Nick Sifuentes (Summit Foundation) shared lessons from New York City’s decades-long push for congestion pricing. They highlighted how strong community organizing, clear messaging, and persistent advocacy helped overcome political challenges and deliver a major win for transit and climate goals.
Key reflections:
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Organizing Works: Community-driven campaigns built momentum for congestion pricing by centering transit improvements and fairness.
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People Want Transit: Voter support for transit investment remains high even where electrification efforts stall.
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Framing is Critical: Successful campaigns start from shared public priorities like cost savings, traffic reduction, and cleaner air.
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Durable Wins Matter: Winning the policy fight is just the beginning thoughtful implementation is key to lasting success.
The session framed congestion pricing as a model for advancing other climate policies in a challenging political environment.
Watch the recorded session below and download the session slides here.
All Videos
Learning Series Session: Land Use, Housing and Transportation
Held on September 25 this discussion focused on exploring critical links between land use patterns, transportation emissions, and equity.
The session featured three expert speakers with deep experience in policy, advocacy, and implementation of land use, housing and transportation. All shared valuable lessons from their organizing, communications, and policy wins especially in the context of today’s challenging political climate.
Key reflections:
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Integrated Planning Is Essential for Equitable and Sustainable Development: Real progress requires breaking down silos between agencies and sectors. Aligning these systems—through transit-oriented development (TOD), mixed-use zoning, and coordinated funding—can significantly improve access to opportunity, reduce vehicle dependence, and promote social equity.
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Policy Reform Must Be Paired with Institutional and Community Capacity-Building: Investment in technical assistance, interagency coordination, and inclusive stakeholder engagement is critical for translating policy into meaningful outcomes.
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Evidence-Based, Community-Centered Approaches Drive Lasting Impact: Community engagement—especially in marginalized areas—is vital to ensure solutions are not only effective but equitable and trusted. When research and community voice work hand-in-hand, policies are more likely to be scalable, sustainable, and just.
To access a recording of this presentation, please reach out to Mariana Garcia. The session slides can be downloaded here.