Like many of you, much of our efforts this year have been absorbed in responding to the ravages of the pandemic. When it arrived here in March, one of the first questions we faced was how to sustain the critical work of our existing partners, while also marshalling the Foundation’s resources to meet unanticipated and urgent needs, and adapt our work in a rapidly changing environment.
In early spring, we took a number of steps to assist with the overwhelming pressures bearing down on many in our community. Our Board quickly approved new funding, bringing our annual granting allocation to 5% of assets. Soon after, we launched a three-pronged strategy aimed at the impacts of COVID-19. We released emergency funds to particularly hard-hit grantees and long-time partner organizations. Sector-focused funding was invested in umbrella organizations, hubs, and networks that are delivering important services and support to the non-profit community as a whole. And we concentrated forward-looking funding on organizations that are seizing this challenging moment to fundamentally re-examine the underpinnings of our society in the hopes of building a greener and more equitable society. Additional details, including those organizations which received Metcalf grants, are highlighted in newsletter stories below.
The broad and deep social justice movements focused on anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and the underlying structural racism within many of our institutions and organizations has provoked much needed scrutiny and reflection among those in positions of power and privilege. Our Board and staff are listening and learning, and we are shifting our work in response. Within our COVID-19 strategy, we expanded support for organizations who are led by and/or focus on equity-seeking communities, who we know have been disproportionately impacted by this crisis. These efforts were greatly strengthened by the advice and direction provided by a committee of Black, Indigenous and other arts leaders of colour who helped guide Metcalf emergency funds to arts organizations that have fallen outside the parameters of our work. There is much more to be done, and we will be developing and expanding our efforts across our programs in the coming year.
Finally, I would like to share Weaving the Strands, our latest Biennial Report covering our activities over 2018-2019. Although these days the recent past can feel like ancient history, it’s worth remembering the good work done by so many. At a time when our social fabric has worn thin, our Biennial highlights the efforts of those who help maintain and strengthen these crucial bonds. I encourage you to take a look.
In closing, I would like to thank my staff. Over the course of 2020, they have managed to juggle work and family, anxiety and commitment, while continuing to do great work with empathy and imagination.
I wish everyone health and happiness in the holiday season. Here’s to better times ahead.
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President and CEO |
