The time is now. For many of us in philanthropy, we have never seen a major policy expansion to support children and families on a scale that the president proposed last evening. But how did we arrive here, and how can philanthropy ensure more moments like this?
It would be a mistake to only credit forward-thinking policymakers: the real leadership clearly came from grassroots social justice movements. Building on the tireless work of past generations, over the last several years these groups changed the entire political landscape, pushed new, visionary ideas to the fore, and organized the public to demand transformative change. A $15 minimum wage. Universal childcare and pre-K. Reducing student debt and increasing access to college. Guaranteed paid family leave. Their organizing put these policies on the agenda. Passing that agenda in Congress requires all of us to step up.
This is a moment that embodies philanthropy’s business model for impact: employing our resources and leadership to leverage massive, transformative federal, state and local investments and policy changes. Simply stated, using private millions to yield public trillions.
The Biden administration has already moved trillions through the American Rescue Plan to stimulate the economy. Now, the president proposes to make other “once-in-a-generation investments in America” through the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan. These multi-trillion-dollar packages are aimed at supporting low and middle-income families and children.
What do you do when you have an opening like this? For foundations and philanthropic leaders, sitting on the sidelines shouldn’t be an option. These much-needed investments in American communities can either increase racial disparities or, with philanthropy-supported advocacy, implementation monitoring and local grassroots community power-building, they can CONTINUE READING: This is the Moment Philanthropy Has Been Waiting For! | Schott Foundation for Public Education