In every election, GHR is faced with some uncertainty about how foreign and domestic policy decisions will impact its work—both as a philanthropy and as a partner to local and national governments, social service organizations and faith actors. With our programming firmly rooted in access to quality education, medical research to end a disease affecting millions and building social cohesion across religious differences, we continue to closely monitor policy decisions and consider their potential implications for our partners and our foundation.
After the election, Georgetown's Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, a GHR grantee, brought in nearly 700 people to discuss "Election 2016: What Happened, Why and What Does It Mean?" E.J. Dionne, Michael Gerson and Robert Costa from the Washington Post joined Elizabeth Dias of TIME Magazine to ask what the election means for the pursuit of the common good, the priorities of the new administration and Congress and how Catholic social teaching can help bring together our nation after the polarizing campaign.
Regardless of political opinion, this highly contentious election cycle has highlighted the divisions that exist in this country. We owe it to our grantees and partners to demonstrate our continued commitment to cohesion, both nationally and on the global stage. With Americans bracing themselves for change, we are searching for the most impactful opportunities emerging for philanthropy.
Philanthropy has a responsibility to examine its role as part of the public sphere. Guided by our vision of a just, peaceful and healthy future for all people, GHR is in a unique position to bring people together and bridge divides. Through our program work, we will continue to support organizations like the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life that create the space and time for healing and innovation to take place.
We remain hopeful, and pledge to support our partners and each other in the coming months. To learn more about GHR's commitment to hope, contact us.