Now that the 2024 general election is over, philanthropy is preparing for significant changes at the state and federal levels. January will mark the start of a new presidential administration, and in Michigan, we will have new congressional members and a new U.S. Senator. Building relationships and engaging in conversations with our elected officials about opportunities for philanthropy and government to work in partnership for thriving, equitable communities across Michigan is critical to supporting our collective advocacy efforts. It was also one of the reasons CMF was founded, to share our work with policymakers and serve as the collective voice of Michigan philanthropy. This work continues as we look to educate new policymakers on issues important to Michigan philanthropy and our equity-centered approaches with and in communities. CMF continues our focus on lifting up the voices and work of our members for shared learning. 

In this edition of The Download, we are including statements from CMF members on the importance of continuing our work alongside our communities, as well as curated resources and learning opportunities for you.  

From Our CMF Community

In a statement shared post-election, Angelique Power, president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation, highlighted the importance of continuing the work together to transform systems for the long-term. 

“Nothing in the vicissitudes of the emergent political environment changes our commitment to these values. We will work as we have, understanding full well that we may need to stand our ground in unexpected ways, adapt our full box of tools to meet the particulars of a new reality, and provide our community partners with support different in kind or magnitude from what we’ve provided before now,” Rip Rapson, president & CEO of The Kresge Foundation, shared in a pre-election statement on social.

 La June Montgomery Tabron, president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, shared a statement ahead of the election committing to continuing the foundation’s mission of partnering with communities to build a more equitable world where every child and family can thrive.

Post-Election Virtual Conversations & Resources

Democracy for President’s discussion guide How Do We Come Together Post-Election? provides tips and advice on having difficult conversations and answers common post-election questions. 

Join the Council on Foundations on November 14 to discuss how the recent elections could impact the upcoming policy discussions and the work of foundations. Hear from foundation leaders about how they think the new White House and Congress could impact their work and yours.

On November 14, join the Building Movement Project in unpacking the ongoing work necessary to cultivate a democratic society beyond the ballot. Plus, explore the 2024 Elections and Beyond: Fortifying Ourselves, Our Organizations, and Our Ecosystems toolkit from the Building Movement Project which offers a series of frameworks and accompanying worksheets for individuals, organizations and networks to clarify values and identify roles, respond quickly to unfolding events and fortify individual and organizational well-being.

The United Philanthropy Forum is hosting its Decision ’24 Post-Election Webinar on November 20 to analyze the election results, discuss potential policy shifts and look ahead to what’s on the horizon for the coming year.