The Virginia Coalition for Open Government (VCOG) is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed in 1996 that promotes public access to state and local government records and meetings in Virginia through education, training, legal research, policy advocacy (within IRS limits), FOIA help for the public, and conferences.
Advocates for stronger public-records and open-meetings laws and enforcement, lower fees and procedural barriers for FOIA requests, clear electronic meeting rules and modern access practices, training and resources for requesters and officials, and policies that increase transparency and government accountability at the state and local level.
Primarily supported by membership dues and individual and organizational donations, occasional grants and event fees, and two small endowments established to support operations and internships.
Works with and has historic support from the Virginia Press Association, Virginia Association of Broadcasters, the National Freedom of Information Coalition and journalism and media organizations; leadership includes an executive director and a board drawn from journalists, librarians, legal and civic organizations.
Nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)), nonpartisan
