Public Policy

The November Democracy Table hosted a discussion with the Philanthropy for Voter Engagement Initiative, The Charles F. Kettering Foundation and the Nord Family Foundation. The focus of the conversation was on best practices and strategies for funders to support nonpartisan voter engagement and address participation gaps.

The United Philanthropy Forum shared updates on the latest federal actions affecting philanthropy and nonprofits, along with advocacy tools for collective action. Then attendees discussed how to support grantees and local communities as the federal government shutdown and other recent federal policy changes are impacting critical programs in Ohio, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, Head Start, health care and more. 

The November Health Policy Table featured a presentation from Interim Director Tia Marcell Moretti on the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health's key priorities to ensure access to quality behavioral health care for all Ohioans, including state and regional efforts focused on youth mental health, crisis stabilization, the behavioral health workforce and more.

The November Housing Policy Table featured presentations on Rocket Community Fund's initiatives to support housing stability through property tax foreclosure prevention, home repair and pathways to homeownership, including Cleveland’s “Make it Home” program; and the Hamilton County Clerk of Court's Help Center pilot project and partnerships to provide same-day legal representation for tenants and its efforts to mitigate the harmful impacts of evictions.

Learn how Ohio’s capital budget supports infrastructure and community projects across the state, ranging from parks and recreation to cultural and sports facilities. Gain a greater understanding of the capital bill process, timelines and opportunities to advocate for capital improvement projects in your community. Strategize how to connect with stakeholders and legislators to identify priority investments to meet local needs.