M. Jeff Hamond

In 2011, after a distinguished career as the top economic policy advisor to three U.S. senators, Jeff Hamond decided to shift gears and do more to help foundations and philanthropic organizations tell their stories in Washington. He left his senior position on Capitol Hill to develop and lead Van Scoyoc Associate’s Philanthropy Practice. Today’s Jeff and his team work to help private and community foundations, and others in the philanthropy space, share the good work they are doing in local communities, as well as educate lawmakers about the consequences of adverse policy choices.

Today, as the field of philanthropy evolves quickly – with private foundations (which are increasingly under attack) seeking ways to influence policy outcomes without direct lobbying – and also living donors, mission/impact investing, and social entrepreneurs playing an expanded role in the charitable landscape – Jeff is one of sector’s fiercest advocates. He understands the enormously important role philanthropy and nonprofits have in American society and helps these organizations highlight their work for policymakers.

Before joining VSA, Jeff spent seven years as Economic Policy Director to Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and prior to that served in similar roles for Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Evan Bayh (D-IN). Jeff also had leading roles in policy development at two well-regarded non-profit organizations – Redefining Progress and the Progressive Policy Institute, the think tank for centrist Democrats.

During his tenure on Capitol Hill, Jeff played a key role in developing several economic initiatives, including the HIRE Act (passed during the Great Recession to encourage the hiring of unemployed workers); the American Opportunity Tax Credit; the “Cash for Clunkers” program; legislation to address China's unfair trade practices; new approaches to marriage penalty relief; and an array of legislative initiatives to benefit the charity and foundation sectors. His work with charities, nonprofits, and foundations led Sen. Schumer to being named co-chair of the Senate Philanthropy Caucus in 2008. Since leaving the Hill, Jeff initiated the creation of the Community Foundation Awareness Initiative (CFAI), a partnership of more than 170 community foundations nationwide which engages directly with Congress on issues that impact them.

“I left the Hill knowing private foundations had certain lobbying restrictions,” Jeff says, “but I was still surprised at how few grantmakers engaged directly with elected officials to talk about their work. The funder’s perspective is important; public and private foundations both have great stories and perspectives to share. Congressional staff and Members of Congress need to hear more from them directly, not just from membership groups or during Foundations on the Hill. There’s this old saying in Washington: ‘If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.’”

Jeff has worked closely for many years with Congressional staff and Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, and he collaborates closely with others to make sure that no stone is left unturned. He is skilled at working with both political parties and developing messages and strategies that will convey his clients’ points of view to different audiences. Policy creativity is his specialty; he works hard to develop alternative approaches initiatives that seem “stuck.”

Jeff earned a Bachelor of Arts at Tufts University, then obtained a Master in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government.