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)

A special thanks to our sponsors

We know that in the U.S. the net worth of a typical white family is nearly ten times greater than that of a Black family, and our recent VoicesDMV Community Insights survey found that 1 in 4 residents in Prince George’s feel they are worse off financially than their parents.

The Community Foundation and a panel of local and national leaders with expertise in financial services, community development, and race and inclusion discussed solutions for eliminating the racial wealth gap.

Speakers included:

• Moderator: Tonia Wellons, President & CEO, Greater Washington Community Foundation

• Dr. Camille Busette, Director, Race, Prosperity, and Inclusion Initiative, Senior Fellow, Governance Studies, Brookings Institute

• Lanta Evans-Motte, Investment Advisor/Financial Planner, Raymond James

• Shelly Gross-Wade, President & CEO, FSC First

Thought leaders included:

• Mark Lawrence, Inncuvate

• Eben Smith, Build Prince George’s County

Participants had the opportunity to link up with Prince George’s County entrepreneurs Eben Smith, President & Founder of BUILD Prince George’s, and Mark Lawrence, Managing Partner, Inncuvate Consulting, for an open discussion to ask the tough questions and share ideas for real systems change.

About PGC Leads

PGC Leads is a series of thoughtful discussions on the issue of equity and economic mobility in Prince George’s County. The program brings together County residents, nonprofits, thought leaders, and key stakeholders to share information and strategies; and in partnership with others, facilitate the development of new practices, programs, polices, and collaborations to improve the economic status of Prince George’s County residents. These discussions will also help inform the Community Foundation’s philanthropic and community leadership work in the County.

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 Civic Leadership Awards were established in 2006 by The Community Foundation in Prince George’s County to recognize, honor, and promote outstanding community leadership in Prince George’s County. The award recognizes individuals and organizations who too often are unrecognized for their important contributions—unsung heroes who have quietly, tirelessly, and unselfishly demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to improving and enhancing the quality of life in our community.

The Civic Leadership Awards were established in 2006 by The Community Foundation in Prince George’s County to recognize, honor, and promote outstanding community leadership in Prince George’s County.The award recognizes individuals and organizations who too often are unrecognized for their important contributions—unsung heroes who have quietly, tirelessly, and unselfishly demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to improving and enhancing the quality of life in our community.

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.