The Grantmakers Income Security Taskforce (GIST) and Grantmakers for Children, Youth & Families (GCYF) invite you to attend the 6th Annual Budget Briefing for Grantmakers.  This meeting is free of charge and open to foundation representatives, philanthropic advisors and invited speakers. 

Please join us to learn about and discuss the implementation of the 2009 Economic Recovery Package and Fiscal Year 2010 budget and tax issues. Both will have unprecedented impact on supports and services for children, youth and families. 

The meeting will take place Tuesday, March 31 from 12-5pm and Wednesday, April 1 from 9-2pm.  Sessions will include:

Ø       Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act: State and Local
      Implementation and Implications for Low Income Families and Children  

Ø       Budget and Tax Outlook for FY 2010

Ø       Policy Update: Paid Leave, Minimum Wage, and Unemployment
      Insurance

Ø       Policy Update: Early Childhood and Health Reform

Ø       Grantmaker Strategy Session: Weathering the Current Economic Crisis

A pre-conference forum for grantmakers, Ensuring Low-Income Families are Included in the 2010 Census, will take place March 31 from 10:00-12:00pm in the Hamilton Ballroom.  The Decennial Census has historically undercounted marginalized populations, specifically people of color and low-income communities, as well as children.  For the 2010 Census, the challenges of achieving a complete and accurate count are particularly daunting.  Join the Funders Census Initiative for an interactive briefing and strategy session designed to help ensure a complete and accurate count in the 2010 Census. 

A dinner program will be offered on March 31 from 6:00-8:00pm (Cabinet Room, Old Ebbitt Grill) featuring Jared Bernstein, Chief Economist and Economic Advisor to the Vice President to discuss the Administration's priorities for low-income families and children.  Please note there is a $30 fee to attend this program to help defray the costs of the dinner.  All other sessions are offered free of charge. 

Please click here for a copy of the final agenda.

We look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,

Michael Laracy and Benita Melton                       Stephanie McGencey
Co-Chairs, GIST                                                 Executive Director, GCYF