A space for EOF members to share, learn, and strategize about state investments in the safety net, work supports, and revenue.

EOF’s State Investments Funder Strategy Exchange provides a regular, member-driven space for funders to share information about their state investments, surface emerging needs and opportunities, and strategize together about how philanthropy can best support state policy, advocacy, and grassroots efforts.

Why This Exchange

In late 2025 and early 2026, EOF piloted a conversation among a small group of members focused on increasing awareness of state-level investments and building alignment around future strategy. This work has taken on new urgency with the passage of HR1, which will force significant new decisions on states, intensify pressure on state policy and advocacy organizations, and profoundly impact the safety net programs millions of people rely on.

The pilot confirmed both the need and the value of deeper, regular conversation about investments being made in the states and what funders are learning along the way. 

Building on that experience, EOF is convening the State Investments Funder Strategy Exchange from November 2026 through June 2027.

Purpose

The Exchange is designed to help EOF members:

• Share information about current and planned state investments and funding strategies in the safety net, work supports, and revenue.
• Identify emerging needs, opportunities, and shifts in the state policy and advocacy ecosystem.
• Learn from one another about what is working, where gaps remain, and how the landscape is evolving.
• Build greater alignment and inform future funding strategies.

Who Should Participate

The Exchange is intended for EOF members from a qualifying philanthropy investing in state-level policy, advocacy, and grassroots engagement related to the safety net, work supports, and revenue.

Not an EOF member? Join EOF—it’s free!

How the Exchange Works

The Exchange is a highly participatory space grounded in peer learning and candid conversation.

• Timing: November 2026–June 2027
• Sessions: 90-minute, topic-focused virtual discussions
• Approach: One or two EOF members will help frame each discussion and share their experience, with the majority of the session devoted to peer discussion and collective strategizing.
• Preparation: Participants will complete a brief pre-session survey about their strategies and investments to help inform the discussion.
• Confidentiality: To promote frank and open conversation, sessions will not be recorded.

Exchange Sessions

Each session will focus on a timely issue affecting state policy, advocacy, and philanthropic investment.

• Session I: Supporting State Government Transitions
  November 18, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 PM ET | Virtual
  A virtual post-election conversation about state government transitions, evolving state policy and advocacy investments, and opportunities for greater alignment.
  
• Session II: Topic to Be Announced
  March 2027 | In Person
  A breakfast discussion held in conjunction with EOF’s 2027 Budget and Tax Briefing.
• Session III: Topic to Be Announced
  June 2027 | Virtual
  A virtual discussion focused on emerging needs, opportunities, and lessons from the field.