Oregon Funders Learning Series

Funders working to improve outcomes for children, families and communities invest in a variety of strategies linked to economic security as research has shown that increased economic security and opportunity are connected to better outcomes across many domains. The tax code is one of the most powerful tools federal, state, and municipal governments have to provide families with economic security and wealth-building opportunities. There is strong evidence that changes to the tax code can positively impact the health, mental health, housing, and educational outcomes of children, youth, and families. 

The expansion of the federal Child Tax Credit and modernization of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are a hidden gem in the tax code and have encouraged more funders to invest in tax equity and tax systems strategies. Philanthropy has discovered investments related to the tax code are ways to accelerate their impact. There are also many more service-focused and policy-focused ways the tax code and systems can be used by philanthropy to help families and communities thrive. 

According to the Oregon Center on Public Policy, “In 2020, the year with the most recent data on federal EITC participation, about 257,000 Oregon families claimed the tax credit. This accounted for an estimated 67.9 percent of all Oregon working families that were eligible that year. Oregon’s participation rate in 2020 was the worst in the country, with 49 states plus the District of Columbia faring better” with the complexity of filing taxes cited as a major barrier. Additionally, 55,000 children are eligible for the Oregon Kids Credit enacted by the state legislature in 2023. This refundable credit for low-income people with young dependent children can be a lifeline for many families, particularly those do not normally file taxes.

The Ford Family Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation, Tax Equity Funders Network, Oregon Center for Policy Policy and the Oregon Department of Revenue are co-sponsoring a virtual learning series for Oregon-based funders focused on the connection between taxes and improved outcomes for children, families and communities. It will highlight specific strategies that can help all Oregonians gain access to a more equity tax code and tax system. Topics covered in this virtual series will include tax credits, revenue generation and tax systems such as free tax preparation.

Learning Series Goals:

• Raise awareness among charitable foundations of the connection between taxes/tax systems and pathways to advance the well-being of children, families and communities.
• Expand the number of funders investing in tax-related strategies.
• Encourage greater coordination and aligned funding and support among philanthropic funders in Oregon.

Audience:  This meeting is open to charitable foundations and philanthropic advisors.