Three years ago, we as a Network started more deeply exploring the growing body of research on the intersections between the EITC and health outcomes. This research became a foundation for fostering cross-sector discussions to promote economic opportunity as well as health equity.

In many ways, this conversation seems all the more pressing today in the midst of our current health and economic crisis, layered upon a history of ongoing and persistent structural racism that exacerbates COVID's impacts.

This month's "Interview with a Funder" below explores the important intersections of health, income, and equity in conversation with our colleagues at the California Community Foundation, which has recently incorporated EITC work within its health portfolio. Read more about the Foundation's collaborative approach and the ways in which this work supports CCF's overall mission.

We also recently spoke with one of our earliest partners in this effort —Giridhar Mallya, Senior Policy Officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). Our conversation is published in the most recent version of our partner organization, Grantmakers in Health's Views from the Field.

Are you thinking about the intersect between health equity and the EITC? We want to hear from you! Please fill out this very short survey.

Sincerely,

Ami Nagle

Coordinator

EITC Funders Network

ami@eitcfunders.org

Thursday, September 24; 12pm PDT

Perhaps now more than ever, nonprofit organizations working with vulnerable communities are operating under tremendous stress during a period of significant political and cultural volatility. From the nationwide reckoning with racial injustice, to the global COVID-19 pandemic, to extreme rhetoric and policy attacks on immigrants, the staff of the organizations serving traumatized communities are often themselves victims of secondary trauma (commonly referred to as “vicarious trauma” or “compassion fatigue”). Impacting professionals in a range of roles from case manager, to lawyer, to medical provider, and across a variety of populations including immigrants, children, and incarcerated persons, secondary trauma can lead to staff burnout, turnover, and decreased organizational efficacy.

As philanthropy underwrites the core work of these organizations, it is critical that funders understand the implications of secondary trauma on the people behind the work. How can philanthropy support grantee wellness and sustainability? What practices are already being adopted? Join GCIR and leaders from the field for a timely discussion as GCIR releases findings and recommendation for action from the recently-concluded national research project on secondary trauma.

Monday, September 28; 1pm EDT

The conditions in which we live, work, learn, and play significantly impact our health and economic well-being. In turn, our economic stability is a social determinant of health, and our health influences our financial bottom line. The reality is that much of what makes us healthy and financially secure is rooted in our community conditions, and not individual behaviors, and the conditions across communities are not equitable.

The socioeconomic and racial disparities in infection and fatality rates during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis have dramatically exposed the racialized connection between wealth and health and offers a unique moment for bold ideas to become reality. There is broad-based support for radical change – to reimagine systems, policies, programs, and care that promote health and financial resilience for all. Now is the time for philanthropy to invest in innovative pilots, research, advocacy, and organizing to create living conditions that support the health and economic well-being for all of us, as outlined in the latest installment of our health-wealth series.

Tax policy is a powerful tool capable of reducing inequality and raising enough revenue to invest in services that help us all thrive. Join ITEP for an afternoon with Sen. Sherrod Brown and a panel of experts, community organizers and advocates discussing the importance of tax equity in narrowing racial and economic inequities and advancing progressive policies.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Sen. Sherrod Brown

PANEL: Moderator: Dorian Warren, Community Change

• Maurice BP-Weeks, Action Center on Race and the Economy (ACRE)

• Ben Chin, Maine's People Alliance

• Amy Hanauer, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, Citizens for Tax Justice

• Amisha Patel, Grassroots Collaborative

Check out the fantastic agenda Prosperity Now has put together for its first ever virtual Prosperity Summit! Just like always, the the 2020 Prosperity Summit will include:

Entergy

The Piton Foundation

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Anonymous