While questions about the size and role of government are highly politicized, most Americans agree that our federal government should be effective and efficient. Yet our national governing institutions have been weakened by years of neglect and underinvestment, and public trust in these institutions is deeply eroded. As we reenter the familiar territory of divided government, the risk remains great that our national governing institutions will be mired in too many internal obstacles to govern efficiently and effectively.
The funding community has historically put more emphasis on elections and advocacy rather than the nuanced acts of governing and implementation that happen after people are elected and policies are passed. However, notable exceptions where philanthropy has prioritized the health of our governing institutions can demonstrate the tremendous opportunity philanthropy has to support the role of civil society in building stronger, enduring national governing institutions.
The Democracy Funders Network has released a guide for funders to outline this opportunity and highlight a set of specific organizations working to strengthen Congress and the executive branch. Join peer funders to consider what it means to invest in this critical aspect of American democracy and dig into examples highlighting specific, actionable ways funders have (and still can) make a measurable impact on government effectiveness.
Speakers:
Marci Harris, Cofounder and Executive Director, POPVOX Foundation
Jessica Kelch, Consultant, Rebuild Congress Initiative
Ali Noorani, Program Director for U.S. Democracy, William & Flora Hewlett Foundation