Welcome to Economic Opportunity Funders (EOF)

“New Economy Initiative is an ecosystem of support so anyone with an entrepreneurial dream can pursue it, despite not having access to family or generational wealth.”

“I have the privilege of serving on the EOF Steering Committee and have attended EOF’s Annual Budget and Tax Briefing for the last two decades. What I have learned through EOF has prepared me and my organization for this moment, as the CARE Fund supports the care movement to fight for a tax system where everyone pays their fair share and where spending meets the needs of families and communities. Whether we are focused on care, housing, children, jobs or democracy – this discussion is crucial if we want to build an economy that works for all.”

“EOF is helpful because I learn about new work, and it strengthens my understanding of what is on the horizon. For example, at the most recent budget and tax meeting, we talked a lot about the 2025 tax debates. This will be an opportunity to change our Nation’s tax code to put more money in the pockets of families with low incomes.”

“Because our work focuses on DC and the Metro area, I don’t always know what’s happening outside of the region. Listening to the experts at EOF is so helpful. We get clearer about what’s coming down the pike, what we need to think about, and how things implemented in other areas might work here. It helps to improve our processes.”

“Whenever I participate, I always come away with new insights on how to approach my work. Everything EOF does is well thought out and intentional about helping philanthropic professionals think about issues in new, different, and practical ways, through the lens of experience and other experts. It always feels productive.”

“EOF connects us to each other and to the broader national conversation. It helps us understand what’s happening in federal policy. It’s a source of learning, awareness-building, and opportunities to collaborate. Being part of networks like these helps us add our voice and connect to broader efforts and bring the lessons and experiences in Chicago into those conversations.”

“The EOF network has been invaluable to me as someone new to philanthropy. EOF is a great place to learn from other funders and get a sense of the philanthropic landscape. It’s been a source of inspiration and connection for me.”

“EOF is a tool for addressing challenges across philanthropy. It’s a force multiplier. It provides a space for collaborating and aligning with other funders. It leverages impact.”

“We’re a health funder. At EOF, we benefit from the exposure to, and understanding of, economic issues, and ways of moving forward on an economic front. Being a member helps us push forward on our thinking and understanding and helps us to figure out how we can be additive to this work. The thought partnership makes us all better. It helps us advance our shared strategies in really positive ways.”