By Lynn Tadlock
Deputy Executive Director of Giving, Claude Moore Charitable Foundation
Vice Chair, WRAG's Board of Directors
This piece was originally published in the Daily WRAG on April 22, 2015.
I have worked in the Greater Washington region since college – mostly in public service – and have been amazed at the development, economic changes, and demographic shifts in our region. I’ve also seen the vast opportunities and difficult challenges that this growth and change have presented for many of our region’s jurisdictions and residents.
After a long career in Fairfax County government and now as the deputy director of one of the largest foundations in our region – the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation – I have come to understand that no one sector can fully address these challenges and opportunities alone, especially in this region where our issues are so connected and our populations are so transient. If we are to improve the quality of life in each of our jurisdictions and the region as a whole, we need a collaborative, multi-sector approach – what I call the “three-legged stool” – where government, business, and the social sector work in collaboration for the benefit of all.
We need that collaboration now more than ever. While some parts of our region are experiencing boom times, all jurisdictions are feeling the impact of federal budget cuts. Many nonprofits and faith-based organizations are experiencing increased demand for human services and burn-out of long-time leaders. While, at the same time, much of the business community is reducing or redefining its charitable giving.
This is all especially true in Loudoun County – our region’s fastest growing jurisdiction. And, the impact of these factors is amplified by the fact that their impact on residents often goes unnoticed in other parts of the region.
On May 14, cross-sector leaders from around the region will have the opportunity to learn about the unique needs and opportunities of Loudoun at the Loudoun County Philanthropy Conference. I invite you to join me and other philanthropic, nonprofit, government, and business leaders for this unique opportunity to learn about the needs in Loudoun, explore strategies for addressing those needs, and network with colleagues who are dedicated to improving quality of life in our region.
I am delighted that our region’s philanthropic sector is leading a conversation on how we can work together to ensure that the legs of Loudoun County’s three-legged stool are solid. Let’s make the Loudoun County Philanthropy Conference our starting point. I hope to see you there.
Click here to learn more and register for the Loudoun County Philanthropy Conference.