Philanthropy has an important role to play in supporting community preparedness and response to the evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. Continue the discussion with your peers and join Philanthropy Northwest for a conversation among funders in our region on responding to the outbreak. We will host these calls every Friday morning at 10 am as we navigate this crisis together. Please contact Lyn Hunter to propose an agenda item. 

July 10: "Shaping State Revenue and Budgets for Communities"

COVID-19 has had a far-reaching impact on our communities. As we continue exploring philanthropy’s role in responding to this pandemic, we know it is vital for us to address the economic crisis that is especially impacting Black and Indigenous people and other communities of color. Our state governments are reeling from the impact of lost revenue. While philanthropic funding is essential to responding to the economic impact of the pandemic, states must step up to reimagine how they invest in important public services for vulnerable communities in ways that combat racism out of the COVID-19 crisis. Philanthropy, alone, is not set up to meet the challenge faced by our communities. For instance, in 2017, grantmakers in the six-state region distributed $1.8 billion in grants and investments, while it is estimated that the federal government alone spent $157 billion in 2017.  

In this discussion, we'll hear from national and state experts on state tax and budget systems and describe what's happening across the country with a special focus on our region, what prospects and options exist, and how the economic crisis built on racist systems is impacting communities.

Speakers

• David Bley, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, providing opening remarks on how the economic crisis due to COVID-19 cannot be solved by philanthropy alone, and how we can all use our voice, positions and power to mitigate this crisis on behalf of communities.
• Wes Tharpe, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, providing an overview of how the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an intense economic and fiscal crisis for communities nationwide and sharing policy recommendations for a more prosperous and equitable future.
• Tara Jensen & Preston Parish, Montana Budget and Policy Center, providing a Northwest state perspective on the impact of COVID-19, particularly related to policies affecting Indian Country.

Eligibility 

Participation in this meeting is open to philanthropic organizations that currently make grants. This includes corporate giving offices, private and public foundations, community foundations, government grantmakers and CDFI institutions with a philanthropic focus. You do not need to be a Philanthropy Northwest member to participate, but do need to represent an organizational philanthropic institution. Please do not join this call if you are a nonprofit organization. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact Nancy Sanabria.