The Great Depression, the Great Recession, and, more recently, the COVID-19 Pandemic are among the many pivotal times where economic uncertainty led to advancement and opportunity in policy change to build assets and equity. Early Social Security arose from safeguarding individuals and families from another great depression. The GI Bill of Rights provided veterans with funds to use for education, unemployment insurance, and housing, offering a reward to servicemen after World War II. In 2010, Dodd-Frank issued in an era of Wall Street reform and consumer protection, including the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in response to the Great Recession. Throughout history, we see that economic and political uncertainty can be the very time to invest in pivotal change.

However, one critical element missing from these transformative developments has been true inclusion. At each of these moments, certain population groups have been purposefully left out of structural advancements, leaving us vulnerable to the racial and sexist division that exclusionary policies can provoke. As we think towards the future, we must consider how best to lean into our next transformation in ways that are affirmatively inclusive from the start.

Please join Asset Funders Network and the Institute on Race, Power, and Political Economy for a funder-only discussion as we gather a regional group of Northeast grantmakers to explore:

What is our shared vision for economic opportunity and how do we create that vision?
What helps to move things forward vs. regress in times of uncertainty?
Where do we see hope and investments in a shared vision for the future?
What examples from history inspire us to lead transformation even through uncertainty?
How do we move from immediate crisis response to investing in long-term economic transformation?
What lessons have we learned from past economic and social crises that can inform philanthropic investments in policy innovative programming today?

Speakers:

Abigail Disney, Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, activist, and philanthropist

Maryam Elahi, President and CEO, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut

Darrick Hamilton, Henry Cohen Professor of Economics and Urban Policy, and Founding Director of the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy at the New School

Pierre E. Joseph, Working Cities Manager, Regional & Community Outreach, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

Annika Little, Managing Director, Asset Funders Network, Moderator

This is a funder-only discussion open to philanthropic foundations, financial institutions, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), credit unions, United Ways, and public sector funders. Specific focus on the Northeast region.

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Registration is required as this is a secure facility. Please bring a valid ID to check in with security. Space is limited. Please RSVP by 5/15/2025. Additional meeting logistics will be shared with confirmed participants. If you require accommodations to fully participate in the meeting, please reach out to Paula Dworek, paula@assetfunders.org, by 5/12/2025.

Investing in the Future We Want: Leading Transformation in Uncertain Times