Reflections on 2022 and Aspirations for 2023
by PACE
The PACE team is often asked how we reflect on a year and what we see as the priorities ahead. There is certainly much to process and consider, particularly as it seems every year grows even more “important for democracy” than the last.
Consider that 2022 brought the fight for democracy to the global forefront through a war in Ukraine, where its people are still valiantly fighting for freedom. Consider that the guardrails of democracy largely held against extreme candidates running in election-oversight positions in the 2022 midterms, though there is still much to do to ensure every citizen has a safe way to cast a ballot and the elections are fair and full of integrity. Consider the bipartisan commitment to legally enshrine marriage equality, though there is still work to ensure human and civil rights on many matters of gender and sexuality. The list(s) go on.
Our staff (which is expanding in 2023!) is currently deep in our reflection process and will have our Annual Review to share shortly. In the meantime, we wanted to share a round-up of reflections and visions of some of our members (alphabetically):
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: Bill Gates: The Year Ahead — 2023
- Much of the work of the foundation is focused on reducing child mortality and, since the foundation began its work in 2000, the world’s child death rate has been cut in half. The foundation is continuing with that work as well as addressing other broad reaching health issues to bring more equity to the world.
California Humanities: A year in review and a look ahead
- The humanities are essential to a vibrant democracy and California Humanities is especially proud of its Emerging Journalist Fellowship program and its Civics & Humanities Middle Grades program. It is also searching for its next President and CEO.
Democracy Fund: Preparing for what’s ahead: the future of our democracy
- Democracy Fund is focusing their support on the leaders and organizations that can combat the inequitable systems that have limited internet access, stymied local journalism, and led to widespread discrimination online. They are also continuing work on ensuring equal voting participation for people of color.
Ford Foundation: A year of progress and potential
- The Ford Foundation is seizing the change that the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed; the foundation is trying to take advantage of this moment by asking, “do we want to continue to support systems that only benefit a few?” Their global community came together as never before to fight for justice.
JFK Library Foundation: Year in Review
- The Foundation held over 40 forums, a series of public affairs programs offered by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, and invited authors, scientists, and politicians to foster public discussion on a diverse range of historical, political, and cultural topics.
McKnight Foundation: Highlights from 2022
- Over the last year, McKnight unveiled new approaches to their grantmaking, launched efforts to challenge and transform systems to achieve greater racial equity, and invested in organizations working to advance a more just, creative, and abundant future where people and the planet thrive.
Mosaic Life Care Foundation: 2022 Year in Review and Annual Report
- 24 interns were placed within Mosaic healthcare facilities. The critical role of volunteers in their healthcare systems was celebrated and supported, and they funded many programs inviting children to learn about the science related to healthcare.
Schmidt Futures: End of Year Letter — 2022
- Schmidt Futures wants to help the world be better by supporting scientific breakthroughs that have unlocked possibility — from the potential to power the world more cleanly through nuclear fusion, to combating diseases, to giving more people access to opportunity through electrification, to harnessing technologies ranging from artificial intelligence to biology for good.
William and Flora Hewlett: Hewlett’s Racial Justice strategy: a roadmap for progress
- This was the first year the Foundation began to draw from its $150 million in dedicated racial justice funds to make grants. In 2022, their Racial Justice Strategy led them to develop an approach, and the Foundation says their grantmaking will be informed by their internal learning and transformation.
We’ll try to keep this updated as additional pieces are released when members return from holiday break. What are you reflecting on and carrying forward this year? Let us know in the comments below.
