The new presidential administration has created uncertainty across the charitable sector. From attempts to freeze federal funding to efforts banning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), many organizations worry that they will lose funding or have programs restricted. More broadly, the administration has called into question the role of government in ensuring thriving communities and philanthropy’s work to advance a wide variety of policies.

On this call, we will learn from Pacifica Law Group about what presidential actions, including but not limited to executive orders, mean for philanthropies and grantees.

Speakers

Jamie Lisagor, Partner, Pacifica Law Group

Jamie Lisagor focuses her practice on helping clients navigate complex statutory, regulatory and constitutional issues. She provides clients with strategic legal advice and representation in litigation and appeals involving a broad range of matters impacting our communities. Her expertise includes municipal law; race, equity and justice initiatives; freedom of expression and religion; public policy and planning; public projects; and the political process. She works with clients to draft, defend and implement state and local initiatives, legislation and public programs. She also serves as outside general counsel to national and regional reproductive justice organizations and other nonprofits.

 

 

Zach Pekelis, Partner, Pacifica Law Group

Zach Pekelis is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer who helps his clients navigate all stages of civil litigation, internal and government investigations and novel challenges at the intersection of law, policy and politics. A former U.S. Department of Justice trial attorney and Washington State assistant attorney general, Zach brings strategic insight and a broad range of experience to his work for public, private, political and nonprofit clients. Zach has become one of Washington’s leaders in defending state and local governments against legal challenges to emergency public health measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In over 50 such cases, no challenger has won any form of relief against Zach’s clients. He is also one of the Pacific Northwest’s most experienced legal advocates supporting firearm safety measures, representing the region’s leading gun violence prevention nonprofits to defend common-sense firearm laws in Washington and Oregon — including restrictions on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. In eight federal and state court lawsuits brought by the gun lobby, Zach’s clients are undefeated.

 

Eligibility

Participation in this meeting is open to organizations in the philanthropic sector. This includes grantmaking institutions, corporate giving offices, private and public foundations, community foundations and CDFI institutions with a philanthropic focus.

We also welcome nonprofit organizations and philanthropy-serving organizations (PSOs) to join this call. You do not need to be a Philanthropy Northwest member to participate.

Please contact Nancy Sanabria with any questions.