Purpose-Driven Philanthropy in Uncertain Times: Responding to Federal Enforcement Surges

February 5, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CST)

Description

As Missouri communities face uncertainty, purpose-driven philanthropic leadership is essential.

Philanthropy Missouri continues its series, Purpose-Driven Philanthropy in Uncertain Times, to provide useful updates and resources to help Members navigate change with clarity and purpose. PhilMO is here to support your efforts to align strategy, community need, and values. 

This session will be a timely and practical conversation about how philanthropy can provide support in preparing for and navigating potential surges in federal enforcement in their community.

Drawing on real-time experience from Minnesota and Illinois, this session will:

✅ Surface key lessons learned and field-informed recommendations for supporting communities affected by federal enforcement surges;

✅ Provide insights to strengthen preparedness and respond strategically; and

✅ Specify roles for philanthropic leaders in this space.

SPEAKERS

This session is hosted by United Philanthropy Forum, where PhilMO is a member. If you want to pose a question to speakers prior to the event, we encourage you to share that in your registration or by emailing info@philmo.org.

Michelle Maryns

President - Minnesota Council on Foundations

Michelle Tran Maryns joined Minnesota Council on Foundations as president in August 2025, following senior innovation and communications leadership at the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota. She previously founded We Sparkle, a social enterprise providing AI-powered tools to underestimated entrepreneurs, and led award-winning digital initiatives across the nonprofit and private sectors. Michelle began her career in federal service with the U.S. Departments of State and Justice, where she created civic education programming and a Constitutional Know Your Rights guide. She is graduate of Harvard Kennedy School, University of Kansas, and University of Oxford. More about Michelle.

Tonya Allen

President - McKnight Foundation

Tonya Allen is president of the McKnight Foundation, a Minnesota-based family foundation granting approximately $100 million annually to advance climate solutions, equity, the arts, neuroscience, and global crop research. A nationally recognized civic leader, she leads an all-women, majority people-of-color senior leadership team and is known for building cross-sector partnerships that drive systems change. She earned multiple degrees from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor and chairs the Council on Foundations. More about Tonya.

Monique B. Jones

President & CEO - Forefront

Monique B. Jones is president and CEO of Forefront, Illinois’ premier organization connecting philanthropy, nonprofits, and their allies to improve lives statewide. With more than 25 years of experience across mental health, violence prevention, and racial equity, she is widely respected for leading through complexity and crisis. A thriving Multiple Sclerosis warrior, Monique serves on the board of PhilMO Member IFF*, a community development financial institution, and is graduate of the University of Arkansas and University of Texas at Austin. More about Monique.

Deborah Aubert Thomas

President & CEO - United Philanthropy Forum

Deborah Aubert Thomas serves as president and CEO of United Philanthropy Forum, bringing more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit and philanthropic leadership. She is committed to equipping philanthropy to be effective partners for change through learning, connection, and collective action. Deborah is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York University, and The New School, and previously served as president and CEO of Philanthropy Ohio. More about Deborah.

AUDIENCE & REGISTRATION

This is a series designed for philanthropy-infrastructure organizations (like PhilMO) and grantmakers throughout the country. 

PhilMO Members may participate for free. If this is your first interaction with the website, enter your email on the registration page to start the registration process. Members returning to the website may log in.  

Non-Member Missouri grantmakers may participate with a contribution of $75. Non-Members should choose the "Non-Member Funder" ticket type to register and remit payment. 

⭐HOW DO I SUGGEST CONTENT AND/OR PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE FOR THIS SERIES?

As you encounter questions about our shifting philanthropic landscape, please direct them to PhilMO at info@philmo.org. 

We also welcome your examples about how you are responding to ongoing challenges in the social sector. If you prefer to call or text, contact Michelle Miller, PhilMO President & CEO, at 512-787-5111.