In early spring last year, as the coronavirus pandemic worsened, foundations in the U.S. began to respond by shifting resources and practices. Some funders, nonprofits, and others in the field called for fundamental changes in how funders approach their work — including upping the provision of long-term, flexible funding, shifting the funder–grantee power dynamic, placing greater trust in nonprofits, and increasing foundation payout.
The pandemic has exacerbated long-standing structural inequities — especially in Black, Latino, Native American, low-income and working-class communities, and for people with disabilities. As such, foundations have also been called on to invest in communities hit hardest by the pandemic, and to integrate racial equity more comprehensively into their work.
Given these calls: what’s actually changing in foundations’ practices? And what does this mean for the future?
Last summer, the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) explored these questions through surveying and interviewing U.S. foundation leaders. We’re sharing what we learned in a three-part research series, Foundations Respond to Crisis.
Drawing on findings from these new reports, this interactive webinar discussion will delve into how foundations are responding to the compounded crises the nation is currently facing. Panelists will share their insights about what this moment means for the work of their foundations and, looking ahead, what these crises mean for foundation philanthropy as a whole.
Speakers
Moderator: Phil Buchanan, President, Center for Effective Philanthropy
Ellie Buteau, PhD, Vice President, Research, Center for Effective Philanthropy
Naomi Orensten, Director, Research, Center for Effective Philanthropy
Chris Cardona, Senior Program Officer, Philanthropy, Ford Foundation
Nora Moreno Cargie, President, Tufts Health Plan Foundation
Marcella Tillett, Vice President of Programs & Partnerships, Brooklyn Community Foundation