Civic culture is a crucial feature of democracy. We are now so accustomed to this feature of American life that we are likely to take it for granted, and to overlook the role it still plays in keeping our democracy viable. This Montana Bright Spot highlights the role of philanthropically-...
Deepening political polarization is one of the greatest challenges facing American democracy. This Idaho Bright Spot details how citizen-run forums alleviated divisions within a community, encouraged civic participation in local projects and became a useful resource for government agencies...
The role of government in assisting eligible voters to register has changed over time and varies significantly by state. What is the most appropriate role for the government in registering those eligible to vote? This Alaska Bright Spot shows how a reform campaign built upon existing...
Philanthropy Northwest supports a network of community foundations throughout the Northwest in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. As part of this work, we are coordinating a regional convening to bring together the leadership of community foundations. We believe there is a unique richness when we learn and activate as a collective of community foundations. We hope to leave this gathering with a clear sense of our strategy as a network for 2019 and beyond. Please join us!
The philanthropic community relies on census data to guide philanthropic reach, impact and effectiveness. Philanthropic leaders use census data to understand community and demographic trends and inform fact-based decisions on long-term investments and grants. Inaccurate census data could divert federal resources from communities in need, forcing philanthropy to fill these gaps, while decreasing the effectiveness of these investments. One of the most concerning threats to a full census count is the addition of a new and untested question about citizenship status to the 2020 census form.
Earlier this year, Philanthropy Northwest committed to a journey that centers equity on the path to achieving a fairer and more just world. This journey compels both reflection and the use of our voice.
Over recent months, we have witnessed the family separation crisis at our border with sorrow and outrage. The federal government’s forcible and prolonged separation of children from their parents as these immigrant families sought refuge is an affront to the values of an equitable and just society, in which all people are treated with decency, respect and compassion.
Today, despite a court-ordered deadline having passed for the reunification of more than 2,000 families, the crisis remains ongoing.
On a recent trip to Anchorage, after engaging with local philanthropic leaders and learning about Alaska’s unique attributes and challenges, it dawned on me the many lessons funders in the lower 48 can glean from Alaska’s philanthropic leaders. In a geographically large state with a small population, funders wear multiple hats and coordinate easily across organizations to address formidable challenges – including homelessness, lack of affordable housing and healthcare services, access to high-quality P-16 education, workforce development and much, much more.
From this recent visit and in my role with Philanthropy Northwest over the past year, I’d like to share my observations about the unique positioning of philanthropy in Alaska.
