Philanthropists are increasingly willing to support direct cash assistance. Foundations and individual donors have supported a range of emergency cash relief for various crises throughout the years, and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the greater Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia region has been no exception. Private philanthropy is also working with the current wave of government-sponsored cash assistance pilots. This virtual convening highlighted Urban’s findings on philanthropic support and will gather speakers to reflect on the implications and future of philanthropic efforts aimed at transferring cash directly to individuals. 

 Research Presentation:

• Benjamin Soskis, Senior Research Associate, Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy, Urban Institute

• Sonia Torres Rodríguez, Research Assistant, Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center, Urban Institute

• Fay Walker, Research Analyst, Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center, Urban Institute

Panelists/Discussants:

• Mary Bogle, Principal Research Associate, Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center, Urban Institute

• Kevin Callaghan, Newark Philanthropic Liaison, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers and Office of Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka

• Nisha G. Patel, Creative Catalyst, Powered by Shakti

• Paula Sammons, Program Officer, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

• Tonia Wellons, President and CEO, Greater Washington Community Foundation

• Shena Ashley, Vice President, Nonprofits and Philanthropy, Urban Institute (moderator)

Didn't catch our Tuesday Talks series? We’ve made it easy for you to catch up on what you missed by watching the recordings! This virtual series for Community Foundation donors, which ran from March through July, offered updates on our COVID-19 Emergency Response work and what learned about the needs of our community in the areas of hunger, housing and homelessness, medical access, employment and small business, the arts, and more.

• July 28, 2020: Arts and Culture in the Wake of COVID-19

• July 14, 2020: Hunger Relief

• June 23, 2020: Medical Care and Access

• June 9, 2020: COVID-19 Impact on Workers and Small Businesses

• May 26, 2020: Housing and Homelessness

• May 12, 2020: Education and Youth

• April 28, 2020: Community Update #3

• April 14, 2020: Community Update #2

• March 31, 2020: Community Update #1

The Greater Washington Community Foundation launched Voices of the Community (VoicesDMV), a new initiative designed to hear directly from residents about the challenges and opportunities facing our region. Community conversations play a vital role in surfacing resident stories and perspectives from across the region that can be shared with community organizations, funders, businesses, government, and others who are working to make a positive difference in our region. The evening included large and small group conversations on issues such as health, education, housing, transportation, crime, and overall community well-being.This initiative will help to inform a collective vision for the region’s future and efforts to improve equity, access, and opportunity for all.