Whole Family Policy Options

Policy change offers the opportunity to improve outcomes at scale, and as a result, many foundations are shifting investments toward advocacy and policy work.

Local, state, and federal agencies and those advocating for whole family policy strategies have won significant changes in policy to support comprehensive approaches. These improvements are occurring through legislative, administrative, and regulatory mechanisms. Foundations will first want to familiarize themselves with the guidelines for foundations and tax classifications, which can be found here.

Policy Research, Reports, Agendas, and Results from Four Women’s Funds

The Women’s Foundation of Colorado

WFCO supported 18 bills in 2019, 16 of which passed. As a whole, the new laws propel women toward ecnomic security by making pay more equitable, high-quality child care and college more affordable and accessible, and full-day kindergarten free throughout the state. They prepare Colorado for paid family and medical leave, retirement savings systems, and a full and fair 2020 census; give Coloradans the opportunity to vote to improve our tax policies; and extend greater protections for student loan borrowers (two-thirds of the country’s $1.46 trillion student debt belongs to women).

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SUMMARY: Relationship of Economic Independence and Access to Childcare for Single Moms – Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona

Arizona faces a skills gap. Simultaneously, a vast majority of single mothers with young children lack any kind of postsecondary degree, which substantially limits their job prospects and earning potential – leaving them to rely on assistance benefits. But in order for these parents to pursue training and education for higher-earning skilled jobs, affordable childcare is crucial. With the right support, this population can fill Arizona jobs.

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REPORT: Relationship of Economic Independence and Access to Childcare for Single Moms – Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona

Many Arizona families, particularly single mothers with young children, face substantial challenges in meeting their economic needs. Almost one in three (29%) children under age six in the state lives in poverty, putting them at risk for a host of future economic, health, and social concerns. Currently, the vast majority of Arizona low-income single mothers do not have any kind of post-secondary degree, which substantially limits their job prospects and earning potential. In order for these parents to pursue training and education for higher-earning jobs, affordable childcare is crucial. However, childcare issues in Arizona are particularly pronounced. These factors, taken together, highlight an opportunity for two-generation programs to transform the fate of many Arizona families. Short-term investment in targeted training programs coupled with childcare support for those engaged in these workforce development activities (known as a two-generation approach) could lead to longterm savings for the state and benefit for both mothers and their children.

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Economic Issues for Women in Texas2020 – Texas Women’s Fund

This 2020 study, based on research conducted by Every Texan (formerly the Center for Public Policy Priorities), again takes a comprehensive look at the four building blocks that are fundamental to the financial security of a woman and her family: child care, housing, education and health care. This study also reveals dramatic changes in our state’s demographics, and the challenges and opportunities we face in creating a more equitable society.

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