Blog

The Christopher Family Foundation has walked with its nonprofit partners through the Covid epidemic, and through other trying times. With the uncertainty in federal policy we find ourselves again in uncharted waters, along with the organizations we so gladly support. Interruptions in government funding increase the emotional cost of working in the nonprofit sector. Actual cuts in federal support will do more damage. Through all this, we continue to be inspired by the commitment of our grantees to adapt creatively to the circumstances.

We are trying to be adaptable as well, and we want you to know a few steps we’re taking to support our partners in these trying circumstances. First of all, we’ve listened. Our program team has been in touch with representatives at our grantee organizations to find out who is at greatest risk from loss of federal funding. We’ve attempted to triage that risk internally, and will be making some additional gifts to those whose risk is most immediate. We’ll be making that interpretation based on what everyone has shared, and will be in touch with organizations directly who are receiving those additional funds. We expect to grant at the 6% level in this year and next in order to assist with those needs.

In addition to some extra funds, we’ve signed on to the Council on Foundations statement regarding the ability of the philanthropic community to continue its useful work without interference.

While we know that these actions won’t solve the problem, or come anywhere near to replacing the federal funds that might be lost, we hope that they shine a bright signal of our support for our grantee partners, just as your continued dedication to making the world better shines a bright light for us.