Washington, DC Deserves Pandemic Relief Funding Equal to States

Maryland Philanthropy Network joined a public statement issued today by our colleagues at the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers regarding funding for the District of Columbia as part of federal legislation designed to provide support during the COVID-19 crisis. The statement was also signed by the Bainum Family Foundation, Center for Nonprofit Advancement, Federal City Council, Greater Washington Board of Trade, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and many foundations across the D.C./Maryland/Northern Virginia region.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, treated Washington, D.C., differently than has been the case in virtually all other federal legislation by funding it comparably to U.S. territories rather than states, which meant it lost some $750 million in essential financial support.

This statement calls for fair and equitable treatment of the District in any federal stimulus legislation while also highlighting the established precedent of doing this and the vital function the District plays in supporting the federal government.  While expressing concern for the overall well-being of the District, it specifically draws attention to the vast economic and racial disparities that exist in the District and a population at high risk regarding the coronavirus. 

Click here to read the statement.