Description

This annual PhilMO program has particular significance this year as budget and tax debates take center stage in our 2025 federal and state policy landscapes. 

At the federal level, up to $4 trillion in tax cuts are being debated as the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expires. At the state level, capital gains tax and other revenues are being debated. Ultimately, programs that provide a safety net to Missouri’s children and families — Medicaid, SNAP, housing, and early child education, and education — may be affected. 

These important policy decisions touch most every corner of philanthropic work, including early child, health care, state and local government services, climate change, housing, services for older adults, family support services, and more. Taking time to understand the current debate will help Missouri grantmakers better prepare for how the broader landscape will change. Additionally, some grantmakers find that they are in a position to be heard by decisionmakers and choose to advocate for particular outcomes.

This virtual program will include updates on:

✅ FEDERAL BUDGET & TAX DEBATES 

Through continued partnership with Economic Opportunity Funders' (EOF), PhilMO will curate excerpts from EOF’s multi-day annual federal budget and tax briefing to Missouri funders. We encourage you to review this list of resources to acquaint yourself with the subjects they will explore. Expert speakers include:

• Joan Alker, Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University
• Carol Joyner, Family Values at Work Action
• Amber Wallin, State Revenue Alliance 
• Sharon Parrott, Center on Budget & Policy Priorities 
• Parita Patel, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 

✅ MISSOURI BUDGET & TAX LANDSCAPE 

Following our excerpt viewing, we will turn our attention Missouri. Amy Blouin, President & CEO of the Missouri Budget Project, will discuss the implications of the federal budget process in Missouri and update Missouri grantmakers on the state’s budget process. 

Understanding tax policies and public budgets within our current political and economic climate can help philanthropic leaders plan their grantmaking work more intentionally. There will be ample time for questions.

Audience & Registration

This program is designed to accommodate participants with a range of policy expertise. 

Everyone is welcome to come learn: this program is designed to accommodate participants with a range of prior policy knowledge. All PhilMO Members and non-Member Missouri grantmakers may register. 

PhilMO Members may participate for free. If this is your first interaction with the new PhilMO website, choose “Create New Account” when registering.

Non-Member Missouri grantmakers may participate for a fee of $75. Non-Members should choose “Register as a Guest” to register and submit payment.

If you encounter any challenges registering for this program or otherwise navigating the new website, help is available by contacting info@philmo.org.

What is the MO Public Policy & Advocacy network?

As a membership organization, Philanthropy Missouri (PhilMO) recognizes the value of providing customized offerings for smaller groups of funders — or Networks — within and beyond the PhilMO membership. Networks meet at least twice a year and over multiple years; usually a Network receives sponsorship to support speakers, staff time, etc. 

The MO Public Policy & Advocacy Funder Network is a table for grantmakers with an active interest in how public policy and advocacy can advance a more equitable, thriving Missouri. Participants include PhilMO Members and non-Member funders who invest in Missouri. The Network’s Learning & Action model allows for all participants to learn while opting in or out of action efforts based on interest, capacity, and/or structure.

If you are interested in participating in or learning more about the MO Public Policy & Advocacy Funder Network, contact Michelle Miller.