Could rethinking an outdated funding model help save the lives of mothers and babies in Central Ohio? Some advocates for better maternal outcomes for Central Ohioans argue that the traditional methods of philanthropy just aren’t working. While initiatives like Columbus’ CelebrateOne have long strived to help service providers build their capacity to care for the region’s mothers and babies, leaders in the area are pushing for fresh thinking when it comes to how philanthropic dollars are invested in better maternal outcomes, with greater independence for funding recipients and far more emphasis on advocacy. Is the philanthropic world ready to step out in this new direction? With a panel of passionate leaders, we’ll explore how participatory grantmaking, trust-based philanthropy, and low-barrier funding for grassroots organizations promise to deliver better and faster results for nonprofit organizations working to improve the lives of Central Ohio’s mothers and babies, and how this fresh thinking could transform the way human services are funded in Columbus.

Featuring Danielle Tong, Executive Director, CelebrateOne; Jill Miller, President & CEO, Bethesda Inc. and bi3; Kelley Griesmer, President and CEO, The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio; Isi Ikharebha Green, President, Physicians CareConnection, and moderator Jennifer Bullock, Weekday Anchor, NBC4.