Schedule

Stay on the lookout for new speakers, information and updates to the Summit schedule. Please note, this schedule is based on Eastern time.

 

Thursday, November 4

11:00-11:15 a.m. ET

Welcome & Opening Remarks

This year's Council on Foundations' Public Policy Summit will open with remarks from Kathleen Enright, President & CEO of Council on Foundations, and David Kass, the Vice President of Government Affairs at Council on Foundations.

  • Kathleen Enright, President & CEO, Council on Foundations
  • David Kass, Vice President, Government Affairs, Council on Foundations

11:15-11:55 a.m. ET

Keynote Address: Philanthropy's Role in Shaping a More Equitable Future

We'll explore the cross-sections of wealth inequality, racial equity, philanthropy, and public policy, with a special focus on philanthropy's ability to advance the greater good. Gain a deeper understanding of where we in the sector are headed on our advocacy journey and the unique role that your individual foundation will play. After the speaker's remarks, attendees will have a chance to react in small breakout discussions.

  • Anne Price, President, Insight Center

11:55 a.m.-12:55 p.m. ET

Congress and the Philanthropic Sector

This session, which includes three segments, will provide an insider’s view of the major legislation being considered by Congress that could impact philanthropy. Members of Congress will be interviewed by foundations in their states/districts about the status of bills and recently passed laws. Attendees will also join discussions with key Congressional staff on major issues, including tax reform and regulation of the sector.

Segment 1

  • Debbie Stabenow, United States Senator, Michigan
  • Ridgway White, President and CEO, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Segment 2

  • Kevin Brady, United States Representative, Texas' 8th Congressional District
  • Benjamin Chou, Program Officer, Civic Engagement, Houston Endowment

Segment 3

  • Christopher Arneson, Senior Tax Policy Advisor, US Senate Finance Committee, Majority Staff
  • Jamie Cummins, Tax Counsel, Senate Finance Committee
  • Moderator: Isaiah M. Oliver, President & CEO, Community Foundation of Greater Flint

12:55-1:20 p.m. ET

Break


1:20-2:15 p.m. ET

The Biden Administration's Executive Order on Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities: A Pivotal Moment in Federal Policy

The Biden Administration is poised to address the entrenched disparities in the nation’s laws and public policies using President Biden’s Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government to ensure a whole-of-government equity agenda. The Executive Order mandates that the Federal Government should pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all. Attendees will be briefed by Administration officials on their progress and hear how philanthropy can engage to support intentional equity guarantees in federal policy.

  • Darrin Goss Sr., President & CEO, Policy, Coastal Community Foundation
  • Robb Gray, Director, Policy-Advocacy, Kellogg Foundation
  • Laleh Ispahani, Managing Director, Open Society Foundations
  • Dr. Kimberlyn Leary, PhD, Senior Equity Fellow, Office of Management and Budget

2:15-3:10 p.m. ET

Mind the Gap: Philanthropy’s Role in Addressing Racial Wealth Disparities

What role can philanthropy play in decreasing the racial wealth gap? Foundation leaders and policy experts will share stories of their work to address these longstanding inequities—from both a policy and grantmaking perspective. The panel will engage with each other and the audience to share insights about effective practices for foundations and grantees to dialogue with policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels to mitigate this issue.

  • K. Steven Brown, Senior Research Associate, Urban Institue
  • Jennifer Ford Reedy, President, Bush Foundation
  • Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, President & CEO, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
  • Khanh Russo, Interim Vice President of Policy and Innovation, San Francisco Foundation

3:10-3:15 p.m. ET

Break


3:15-3:50 p.m. ET

Let's Talk ACE Act

Join the Council’s lobbyists and Government Affairs team for a discussion of ACE Act. Given the many priorities already on Congress’s plate and the mid-term elections just around the corner, where does this bill fit in Congress’s to do list?

  • David Kass, Vice President, Government Affairs, Council on Foundations
  • Ken Kies, Managing Director, Federal Policy Group, LLC
  • Arshi Siddiqui, Partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
  • Moderator: Jenn Holcomb, Director, Government Affairs, Council on Foundations

3:50-4:50 p.m. ET

Concurrent Sessions — Stepping Up and Showing Up for Communities: Advocacy Training

These concurrent sessions will highlight successful advocacy by philanthropy and give foundations the tools they need to move policy forward. There will be two sessions: an introductory level and an advanced level that will describe several successful advocacy campaigns.


Introduction to Policy Advocacy: Why and How?

This session will provide training to help foundations understand the rules and regulations to engage in public policy to advance their missions. Learn from your peers about what public and private foundations can do and fund on their own and in collaboration with other organizations.

  • Regina Bell, Director, Government Relations and Public Policy, Council of Michigan Foundations
  • Abby Levine, Director, Bolder Advocacy Alliance for Justice
  • Lisa Urias, Chief Program and Community Engagement Officer, Arizona Community Foundation
  • Moderator: David Kass, Vice President, Government Affairs, Council on Foundations

Building an Effective Policy Advocacy Strategy in Today’s Environment

This session will feature foundations sharing best practices for organizing a portfolio of grantmaking and engagement to advance a specific issue in today’s state or federal context. After collaborating with peers in the field, you’ll walk away from the session with a larger toolkit and more ideas to transform your community.

  • Glenn Harris, President & CEO, Race Forward
  • Jake Horowitz, Director, Public Safety Performance Project, The Pew Charitable Trusts
  • Jamie Merisotis, President & CEO, Lumina Foundation
  • Kimberly Perry, Executive Director, DC Action
  • Moderator: Sara Watson, Principal, Watson Strategies LLC

4:50-5:00 p.m. ET

Closing Remarks

  • Mason Rummel, President & CEO, James Graham Brown Foundation

2021 Public Policy Summit - Schedule

Questions?

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