Eric Marshall, Executive Director
2016 was certainly a challenging year for our democracy and FCCP was with our members and extended network every step of the way. Through thought-provoking virtual discussions, a dynamic convening, and engaging working groups we helped tell the civic engagement story and provided funders with the tools and resources to aid in their grantmaking.
As the year progressed, so did our discussions.
The range of topics we analyzed and explored included the 2016 political landscape, the unexpected Supreme Court vacancy, non-partisan voter registration efforts, America’s culture wars, voter protection, aging voting systems, pre-election rapid-response needs and post-election funding gaps. Our convening in St. Paul, Minnesota was one of the highest rated of all time, and we finished the year with an in-person election debrief through a new partnership with Philanthropy for an Active Civic Engagement.
2016 was also a year where we expanded our reach.
A record 12 new members joined FCCP and a dozen networks partnered with us on our programming. We also forged new relationships with Grantmakers in Health and the Forum of Regional Association of Grantmakers that portends an even broader reach and deeper impact in 2017.
This is just a preview of all we accomplished together. As you read through this report you’ll also see how far our four working groups on money in politics, the 2020 census, state infrastructure, and research + experimentation have progressed and more!
Over the next year and beyond, our democracy is going to be challenged in ways that will test the stamina and agility of our network and grantees. But we will not be deterred. We will see our challenges as an opportunity to seize this moment of collective clarity in the body politic to build a larger and stronger community of grantmakers committed to making our democracy work for all Americans.
FCCP is ready. We know you are, too. And we will be with you every step of the way.
Thank you for your steadfast support and involvement. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in 2017 and of course, my virtual door is always open. If you have reactions, reflections, questions, networking needs or ideas for programming, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line.
P.S. See that red box below? That’s your doorway back to the Table of Contents on each page of this Annual Report. You’ll also find a link inviting you to explore related content here on OUR BRAND NEW FCCP WEBSITE! We hope you’ll have a look around and register for upcoming events, access our resource library, join a working group, or renew your FCCP membership.