— ECFC Events —
Improving The Lives Of Children And Families – The Hidden Gem Of The Tax Code
This event was held on January 16, 2025 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm EST
Session recording is accessible with ECFC member login. Contact [email protected] for assistance.
- Tax Equity Funders Network’s resource hub on Advancing Tax Systems that Work for All, explores what we mean by tax systems, what they mean for children and families, and issue areas impacted by tax policy.
- Worksheet: Strategies for Improving the Tax Code & Tax Systems, Tax Equity Funders Network
- Webinar archive: Tax Policy, Why You and Why Now? Hosted by Pritzker Children's Initiative
- MyFriendBen, an online, open-source tool created by Gary Community Ventures, to connecting Colorado and North Carolina families to eligible benefits
- Get it Back Campaign, Tax Outreach Resources Page
- Coalition for Free and Fair Filing's Direct File Outreach Toolkit
- IRS Direct File page
- EITC Impact on Direct File Economic Security Project Report
- EITC Opportunity Map, National League of Cities
ECFC, Economic Opportunity Funders (EOF), and the Tax Equity Funders Network (TEFN) hosted a funder working session about the hidden gems of the tax code and the impact it can have on improving the lives of children and families.
Increasingly research has shown that efforts to improve economic security and opportunity are connected to better outcomes for families with young children. 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 early childhood, health, mental health, housing, and educational outcomes of children, youth, and families.
Recent efforts, including 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, encouraging more child and family-focused funders to invest in tax systems strategies. As Congress prepares to debate the extension of the Tax Credits and Jobs ACT (TCJA) in early 2025, communities may face significant cuts to early childhood, health, and education programs, putting parents and children at risk. This is why mission-driven funders are engaging strategies around the tax code as a means of protecting families and accelerating impact.
In this special tailored virtual session we learned more about the connection between taxes and improved outcomes for children and families, as well as:
- How funders focused on equity, economic mobility, and improving outcomes for children, youth, and families work together to promote more inclusive and equitable tax policies that build prosperity for all.
- Lessons learned from funders who are using tax-focused strategies to achieve their goals.
- Opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and action planning.
Speakers (Bios):
- Ami Nagle, Co-Director, Economic Opportunity Funders; and Director of the Tax Equity Funders Network
- Deneisha Thompson, Senior Associate, Tax Equity Funders Network
- Kathy Stohr, Program Officer, Pritzker Children’s Initiative
- Zach Martinez, Legal Counsel, Gary Community Ventures