Even in the best of times, the need to support parents and families is critical to helping children learn to read at grade level. With the onset of COVID-19, the importance of that support has become increasingly clear and urgent. Nonprofit organizations are striving to fill the gaps stemming from closed schools, recreation programs and child care centers. The frontline practitioners from these organizations are joining with health care workers, teachers and early educators to find and invent ways to keep families from being overwhelmed by the tasks being thrust upon them at a time when the economy is shedding jobs, public transit is curtailed and social distancing is mandated. Given all this, it is unsurprising that these nonprofits are looking urgently for increased support from philanthropy even as philanthropic endowments are being battered by volatile stock markets.
In this webinar, philanthropic leaders will share what they are observing, learning and doing to date as well as what they hope and expect to see in the weeks and months ahead, relating in particular to the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading’s aspiration for a future with “strong systems of family supports.”
Dr. Lauren Smith of FSG will share a perspective informed by her background as a pediatrician and as a state public health medical director during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Tony Fundaro, president & CEO of Philanthropy Southwest, Henry Berman of Exponent Philanthropy, and Alicia Lara of United Way Worldwide will discuss how they are working with and supporting all funders as they navigate this crisis and continue their commitment to serve those in need. Kyle Caldwell of Council of Michigan Foundations and David Kass of Council on Foundations will share commentary on the presentations.