Few things impact us more deeply than the powerful photos and heart-wrenching stories of those devastated by natural disasters. Since they are typically geographically focused, community foundation know the best way to get donations where they are immediately needed — whether it be for medical supplies, shelter, food or unexpected needs brought on by the disaster. They can get money out rapidly to vetted nonprofits who can provide targeted and much-needed assistance to their community.

Maryland Philanthropy Network has joined Maryland Nonprofits and our colleagues across Maryland in responding to a call for ideas from the State for how the budget surplus should be allocated. MPN was part of a group of 170 practitioners and partners that came together to create a joint appeal the result of which is this letter to the Governor. Together, we urge the State to dedicate $1 billion of the projected budget surplus for targeted relief, and that $500 million of this commitment should continue in future budgets to assure sustainability and for more equitable disbursement of state resources in partnership with the social purpose sector.

On October 3rd, United Philanthropy Forum’s network of philanthropy-serving organizations (PSOs) came together for an annual Philanthropy + Policy Institute to share the political forecast, strategies for engaging with a new federal administration, how best to navigate the regulatory process, the role of philanthropy in preparing for Census 2030, and a special focus on the power of collaboration between state governments and philanthropy through public/private partnerships.