Cosponsored with Consultative Group on Biological Diversity, EDGE Funders’ Alliance, Environmental Grantmakers Association, Funders’ Committee for Civic Participation, Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities, Grantmakers In Health, Great Lakes Funder Collaboration, Health and Environmental Funders Network, Neighborhood Funders Group, and Rachel’s Network.
The Flint, Michigan water crisis has become a consistent national headline this month, as a combination of corrosive water and aging pipes have left the community in the midst of an unmitigated environmental justice and public health disaster. This webinar explored philanthropy’s role in supporting families in Flint and preventing future crises in other communities, and provided updates about on-the-ground operations, including challenges in reaching all community members. Funders also discussed long-term needs, including early intervention and education services, infrastructure renewal, and policy reform to help the city rebuild. As this is an immensely complex issue with deeper discussion merited on several topics, this will be the first in a series of webinars. Speakers included: Chris Kolb of Michigan Environmental Council, Melissa Mays of Flint, Kimberly Roberson of C.S. Mott Foundation, and Lynn Williams of Community Foundation of Greater Flint.