Funding at the Edges
Funding innovator and president of Cambia Health Foundation, Peggy Maguire is fearless in her approach to philanthropy; she goes straight to the really tough stuff. This philosophy has led Peggy and her team to nurture dynamic real-world solutions including bringing palliative care to the streets and into prisons, and how to address end of life trauma for transgender people. Effective in and of itself, Peggy finds that by looking at how to serve our most vulnerable we can better support everyone—no matter where they are in their lives.
Take 10 is an experience focused on finding solace, building solidarity and sharing solutions when it comes to serious illness, caregiving and end of life. If there’s one thing we hope you take away from this experience, it's the invitation to create the narrative of your life through to its end. May you find comfort and joy in the process of digging into what it means to embrace the good, the bad, and the messy about the gift of being alive!
January 15, 2021
Transcript
2020 has been quite a year. We’ve all been through a lot.
But make no mistake: we are not all in the same boat.
This pandemic has magnified and laid bare the gaps and disparities in our social and healthcare systems.
I’m reminded of a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.”
In my experience, philanthropy can be a powerful catalyst for social change.
To be successful, you need to get involved, really understand the issues, and listen to a variety of perspectives. That includes people who disagree with you and the people your grant funding is intended to support.
You can’t go it alone.
It’s really important to partner with other funders and grantees in order to accelerate progress.
And it’s not only about the money. It’s about leveraging all of your assets: your expertise, your networks, and your reputation.
You can use them to draw public attention to the issues and bring diverse perspectives to the table.
Knowing what we know now, we must apply these lessons to address the disparities that COVID has laid bare.
We must move forward with compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to learning and doing what is necessary for systemic change to occur.
Let’s work together to create a healthcare system that is just, equitable, and inclusive, so that everyone has access to a sturdy boat in this pandemic.
Together, we can dismantle the systems of racism and oppression that prevent people from living and ending well.
Thank you. Be well.
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