It could not be clearer in those moments how firmly engrained white supremacy is in all the structures of our nation. The response from law enforcement at the Capitol was unrecognizable from the over-policing that occurs in many of the communities we serve and represent. The upswell of white supremacists came from across our country and from nearly every community. We at Maryland Philanthropy Network stand with our colleagues and leaders across the country in calling for change. Our communities and our future depend on it.

When place-based funders from 12 regions across the country formed a learning group in 2020, chronicled in this five-part series, they shared practical, tactical steps to grapple with a range of thorny questions. When they turned to engaging stakeholders, the funders focused on three core challenges to building community partnerships.

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.