Foundations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from U.S. foundations.
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Time to Boost Living Standards for 10 Million People Living in Struggling Families in the Budget
YORK, England, Oct. 12 -- The Joseph Rowntree Foundation issued the following news release:
The Government has been urged to put pound sterling2 billion back into Universal Credit (UC) to boost the living standards of almost 10 million parents and children in working families in the Budget.
Our new analysis shows almost three million children are now locked in poverty despite living in a working family and record employment in the economy.
Cuts announced in the 2015 July Budget mean 3.2 million households will typically be around pound sterling50 a week worse off on UC compared with tax credits
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YORK, England, Oct. 12 -- The Joseph Rowntree Foundation issued the following news release:
The Government has been urged to put pound sterling2 billion back into Universal Credit (UC) to boost the living standards of almost 10 million parents and children in working families in the Budget.
Our new analysis shows almost three million children are now locked in poverty despite living in a working family and record employment in the economy.
Cuts announced in the 2015 July Budget mean 3.2 million households will typically be around pound sterling50 a week worse off on UC compared with tax credits- most of them are families with children.
Restoring the work allowances (the amount a people can earn before their support is withdrawn) back to their original level would give a boost to family incomes just days after leaving the European Union in March 2019.
The Government will be pressed to act in the Commons on Monday (October 15) at DWP questions.
Campbell Robb, Chief Executive of the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation said:
"As Britain prepares for Brexit, we need to make sure working families have a firm foundation from which they can build a better life. Reforming Universal Credit by increasing the work allowances for families with children is one step that would help address the rising tide of in-work poverty.
"Action in the Budget this month would mean working families keep more of their earnings and feel the benefit in their pockets just one week after Brexit. Almost 10 million people in families with children would see this boost - a big step towards tackling the burning injustice of in-work poverty."
Increasing the work allowance puts more money in the pocket of families in in-work poverty and helps more families exit working poverty compared to reducing the Universal Credit taper.
The work allowance is over five times more effective at getting money into the pockets of low-income working families than increasing the Personal Tax Allowance.
The OBR estimates it will cost pound sterling1.4 billion to raise the Personal Tax Allowance (PTA) to pound sterling12,500 and the Higher Rate Threshold to pound sterling50,000 in 2020. This money would be better spent helping to pay the lion's share of increased work allowances.
Statement of Nobel Foundation About Alliance-Green Party Agreement on Nobel Center
STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 12 -- The Nobel Foundation issued the following news release:
Today the Alliance parties together with the Green Party announced that they do not wish to have a Nobel Center on the Blasieholmen peninsula in central Stockholm. However, the question is what this really means. The Nobel Center project is currently being examined according to the process that the Nobel Foundation and the City of Stockholm had agreed on.
The Nobel Prize occupies a unique position in the world and is of major importance to Stockholm and Sweden. This has been especially evident during the past
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STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 12 -- The Nobel Foundation issued the following news release:
Today the Alliance parties together with the Green Party announced that they do not wish to have a Nobel Center on the Blasieholmen peninsula in central Stockholm. However, the question is what this really means. The Nobel Center project is currently being examined according to the process that the Nobel Foundation and the City of Stockholm had agreed on.
The Nobel Prize occupies a unique position in the world and is of major importance to Stockholm and Sweden. This has been especially evident during the pastweek or so, as the 2018 Nobel Laureates have been announced - again putting Stockholm and Sweden in the global spotlight
For more than a century, there has been a dream of giving the Nobel Prize a permanent presence in Stockholm and creating a venue for far-reaching public activities in the name of the Nobel Prize - a venue where the focus of attention is on science, literature and peace efforts, and where the major issues of our era are discussed. Where schoolchildren as well as researchers, tourists and curious Stockholm residents can be inspired to want to contribute to a better world in the spirit of Alfred Nobel.
In 2011, the Nobel Foundation reached an agreement with the City of Stockholm to work towards creating a Nobel Center on the Blasieholmen peninsula. Under this agreement, the Nobel Foundation would assume responsibility for financing the Nobel Center and for organising an international architectural competition, which we did. In 2012 the pact was confirmed in a unanimous decision on a site allocation agreement. Until today, the City of Stockholm has pursued this process according to a long-established system for planning matters.
Lars Heikensten, Executive Director of the Nobel Foundation:
"For the past seven years, we have acted in accordance with our agreements. We interpret today's announcement as meaning that the Alliance, in cooperation with the Green Party, is trying to diverge from signed agreements. A project of major, long-term significance for Stockholm as a city of science and a centre for lively discussion in the spirit of Alfred Nobel spirit is thus at risk of being sacrificed to short-term political interests."
Carl-Henrik Heldin, Chairman of the Nobel Foundation:
"Our aim with the Nobel Center on the Blasieholmen peninsula has been to create a house of knowledge and for the people, located in the heart of Stockholm. It is an idea we still believe in. If the political majority in Stockholm closes the door to Blasieholmen, a whole new project would be needed in order to turn this idea into a reality. It would be costly and would require bringing together many stakeholders once again. It would also require reliable partners representing the City of Stockholm."
Secretary Hillary Clinton to Join President Bill Clinton and Chelsea Clinton at the 11th Annual Clinton Global Initiative University Meeting at the University of Chicago, October 19-21
CHICAGO, Illinois, Oct. 12 -- The William J. Clinton Foundation issued the following news release:
Next weekend, October 19-21, more than 1,000 students from across the country and around the world will gather at the University of Chicago for the 11th annual Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) meeting. These students will be joined by global leaders and experts from diverse sectors and regions to make tangible commitments to address some of the world's most pressing challenges.
CGI U engages the next generation of leaders and is grounded in the belief that no one is too young to make
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Oct. 12 -- The William J. Clinton Foundation issued the following news release:
Next weekend, October 19-21, more than 1,000 students from across the country and around the world will gather at the University of Chicago for the 11th annual Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) meeting. These students will be joined by global leaders and experts from diverse sectors and regions to make tangible commitments to address some of the world's most pressing challenges.
CGI U engages the next generation of leaders and is grounded in the belief that no one is too young to makea difference and create positive change in their communities. Since its first meeting, CGI U has brought together more than 9,000 students from more than 940 schools, 145 countries, and all 50 states.
In addition to President Bill Clinton, founder and chair of the Clinton Foundation; Chelsea Clinton, vice chair of the Clinton Foundation; and Secretary Hillary Clinton, former United States Secretary of State, featured speakers at CGI U 2018 will include: Tom Barrett, mayor, Milwaukee; Muzoon Almellehan, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador; Michael Berkowitz, president, 100 Resilient Cities; Amy Carter, deputy director, Family Interest Grants, Community & Civic Engagement, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Julio Martinez Ellsberg, member, International Relations Commission; Helene D. Gayle, president and CEO, The Chicago Community Trust; Susan Herman, president, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU); Uzodinma Iweala, CEO, Africa Center; Mai Khoi, independent artist and activist; Amanda Litman, executive director and co-founder, Run for Something; Bob Lord, chief digital officer, IBM; Jens Ludwig, director, University of Chicago's Crime Lab, McCormick Foundation Professor; Parag Mehta, executive director, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth; D'Angelo McDade, executive director, Peace Warrior Organization; Wai Wai Nu, executive director, Women's Peace Network; Lt. Col. Joe Plenzler, Retired Marine Corps combat veteran and co-founder of #VetsForGunReform; Vincent Stanley, director of philosophy, Patagonia; Astrid Silva, executive director, Dream Big Nevada; Jacob Tobia, author and producer, Putnam Books at Penguin Random House, among others.
To participate in CGI U, students must develop Commitments to Action - new, specific, and measurable projects that address societal issues they face on campuses, in local communities, or around the world. Past commitments include: Working to change the way victims of gender-based violence are supported abroad (link is external); improving energy efficiency in at-risk communities in order to lower energy costs for families and small businesses while also improving the environment (link is external); using mobile technology (link is external) to stop the spread of counterfeit medicine in emerging markets; creating female mentorship programs (link is external) to address gender inequality and justice issues in Los Angeles; and developing and distributing drinkable water for people living in disaster zones (link is external) around the world, starting in the United States.
This meeting is part of the Clinton Foundation's efforts to inspire civic engagement and service and builds upon the success of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in convening leaders to tangibly improve lives around the world. CGI U is just one of the ways that this work continues - CGI has continued to convene leaders from business, philanthropy, and government on a wide range of issues through innovative Action Networks, including sustainability and hurricane recovery in the Caribbean; stopping elephant poaching worldwide; encouraging continued investment in Haiti; and promoting economic opportunity for artisan entrepreneurs worldwide.
Media accreditation is now open. To apply, please register online here: https://forms.clinton-foundation.org/view.php?id=191260 (link is external)
CGI U 2018 Program Highlights
This is the first year the University of Chicago will host CGI U. The University of Chicago is a leading academic and research institution where students and scholars are empowered to challenge conventional thinking to solve some of the most pressing challenges of our time. As an intellectual destination, the University draws scholars and students from around the world to its campuses and centers around the globe. The University provides a distinctive educational experience and research environment, enabling individuals to pursue research that shifts paradigms and produces new understandings with global impact.
The University of Chicago's student engagement efforts for the 2018 event will be coordinated by the Office of the Provost, with leadership from Campus and Student Life and the Office of Events and Ceremonies, in partnership with Chicago Booth's Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation, UChicago's Institute of Politics, the Harris School of Public Policy, the School of Social Service Administration, and the Office of Civic Engagement. Through the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation (link is external), the University continues to expand support for students, alumni, and faculty who are committed to tackling complex social and environmental issues.
Previous CGI U meetings have been held at Tulane University, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Miami, the University of California at San Diego, the George Washington University, Washington University in St. Louis, Arizona State University, University of California at Berkeley, and Northeastern University.
Program highlights at CGI U 2018 will include:
Friday, October 19, 2018
"Code for Impact," presented by CGI U, the CGI Action Network on Post-Disaster Recovery, and the Clinton Climate Initiative, will challenge students to develop digital tools that can increase the effectiveness of response and recovery efforts following natural disasters. Students will work in teams and then pitch their projects to a panel of expert judges which will include Chelsea Clinton and Bob Lord.
Opening Plenary: "Expanding Civic Engagement," where President Clinton will join Muzoon Almellehan, D'Angelo McDade, Wai Wai Nu, and Astrid Silva to discuss how the next generation can turn passion about the issues we face into sustained action and civic participation. Prior to the panel, Chelsea Clinton and University of Chicago President Robert J. Zimmer will provide opening remarks.
Saturday, October 20, 2018
"Freedom of Expression Around the World," a plenary session moderated by Uzodinma Iweala, and featuring Susan Herman, Julio Martinez Ellsberg, and Mai Khoi will address how to develop platforms for constructive dialogue, where diverse views can be explored without intolerance.
"Gun Violence in the United States: A Case Study in Social Movements," a plenary session moderated by Chelsea Clinton and featuring Helene D. Gayle, Lt. Col. Joe Plenzler, and Mayor Tom Barrett will explore how social movements such as "March for Our Lives" have been successful in working together to address the many underlying factors connected to gun violence.
"Closing Plenary - A Conversation with President Clinton, Secretary Clinton, and Chelsea Clinton."
"Beyond Bars: Addressing Youth Incarceration," participants of this working session, will discuss how we can break the cycle of recidivism for young people through counseling, educational resources, addressing harsh "zero tolerance" school disciplinary policies, and more.
"Building Back Better: Post-Disaster Recovery in the Caribbean and Beyond," during this working session, moderated by Michael Berkowitz, CGI U students will hear how governments, civil society, and businesses can work together to improve disaster relief and preparedness.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Annual CGI U Day of Action: As a part of the Clinton Foundation's efforts to inspire civic engagement and service, and CGI U's longtime commitment to volunteerism, President Clinton and Chelsea Clinton will lead CGI U students in a Day of Action to give back to the Chicago community. Founded and led by Chelsea Clinton in the wake of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the Clinton Foundation Day of Action program seeks to create service opportunities and mobilize thousands of volunteers to give back to their communities. To date, the Clinton Foundation has hosted 31 Days of Action in the United States and abroad, which have mobilized more than 7,200 volunteers and donated more than 29,000 volunteer hours.
Support for CGI U 2018 is generously provided by Boeing, Up to Us, Kevin Xu, Chicago Community Trust, and PepsiCo. Additional support for CGI U 2018 is provided by the University of Chicago and the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation (link is external).
Logistical Information
The deadline to apply for press credentials is Wednesday, October 17, 2018. Journalists may apply for credentials on-site, but space is limited, and pre-registered media will be given priority. For questions about press registration, please email press@clintonfoundation.org (link sends e-mail).
Updated daily schedules and a complete breakdown of activities can be found at cgiu.org/2018 (link is external)
More information about CGI U is available here: http://www.cgiu.org (link is external).
Follow us on Twitter at @CGIU (link is external) and @ClintonFdn (link is external) or on Facebook at Facebook.com/CGIUniversity (link is external) for meeting news and highlights. The official meeting hashtag is #CGIU2018. The event will also be livestreamed at live.cgiu.org.
Proposed Changes to 'Public Charge' Policies Could Lead to Declines in Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment as Immigrant Families Face Rising Fear and Uncertainty About Using Public Programs
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 -- The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation issued the following news release:
As the Trump administration proposes changes to federal "public charge" policies, the resulting fear and uncertainty among immigrant families about using public programs could drive down enrollment in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, potentially by millions of people, a new analysis by KFF (the Kaiser Family Foundation) shows.
More than 14 million enrollees in Medicaid and CHIP live in a household with a noncitizen, half of them U.S. citizen children. (Undocumented immigrants are
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 -- The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation issued the following news release:
As the Trump administration proposes changes to federal "public charge" policies, the resulting fear and uncertainty among immigrant families about using public programs could drive down enrollment in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, potentially by millions of people, a new analysis by KFF (the Kaiser Family Foundation) shows.
More than 14 million enrollees in Medicaid and CHIP live in a household with a noncitizen, half of them U.S. citizen children. (Undocumented immigrants arenot eligible to enroll in Medicaid or CHIP.) "Public charge" policies govern how reliance upon public benefits may affect an individual's ability to obtain legal permanent resident status in the U.S.
A proposed rule published Oct. 10 in the Federal Register would newly define a "public charge" as an individual who uses public benefit programs and would expand the list of public programs that the federal government would consider in public charge determinations to include Medicaid and other previously excluded health, nutrition and housing programs. The new analysis examines the share of noncitizens who originally entered the U.S. without legal permanent resident status who have characteristics that the government could potentially weigh against them in public charge determinations.
The analysis presents three scenarios to illustrate the possible magnitude of likely Medicaid and CHIP enrollment declines, based on prior research and experience. It shows that enrollment declines would occur both among those directly affected by the proposed rule as well as among other lawfully present and citizen individuals in immigrant families.
A KFF issue brief released last month explains the proposed changes in public charge policies for immigrants in greater detail.
NFF Wins Top Honors From Arizona Forward for Northern Arizona Forest Fund
MISSOULA, Montana, Oct. 12 -- The National Forest Foundation issued the following news:
On Saturday, October 6th, the National Forest Foundation received the top honor at Arizona Forward's 38th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards presented by SRP. The organization's Northern Arizona Forest Fund received both a Crescordia award as a "Sustainability Champion" and the President's Award, beating out dozens of other organizations for the highest honor of the evening.
"We are so proud to be honored by Arizona Forward and to share the stage with so many other great environmental initiatives across
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MISSOULA, Montana, Oct. 12 -- The National Forest Foundation issued the following news:
On Saturday, October 6th, the National Forest Foundation received the top honor at Arizona Forward's 38th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards presented by SRP. The organization's Northern Arizona Forest Fund received both a Crescordia award as a "Sustainability Champion" and the President's Award, beating out dozens of other organizations for the highest honor of the evening.
"We are so proud to be honored by Arizona Forward and to share the stage with so many other great environmental initiatives acrossthe state," said Rebecca Davidson, the NFF's Southern Rockies Program Manager. "This award highlights how partnerships and a long-term commitment can make a real difference."
The Northern Arizona Forest Fund is a program that leverages private and public funding to improve forest conditions on National Forests in Northern Arizona. These publicly owned forests supply much of the water to the Salt and Verde Rivers, which supply water to Phoenix and other southern Arizona cities, but have been impacted by declining federal budgets, wildfire and climate change.
"We are thrilled to be recognized for the Northern Arizona Forest Fund. This approach is one example of how we work across the country to improve these incredible landscapes. From Arizona to Alaska and New Hampshire to Florida, the NFF is creating innovative conservation partnerships like the Northern Arizona Forest Fund that leverage funding to make lasting improvements to America's 193 million acres of National Forests."
Mary Mitsos, NFF President
In addition to receiving this high-profile award, the NFF recently received $13 million from CALFIRE for cross-boundary forest health and restoration work in California and Nevada's Tahoe/Truckee region - the largest single grant given out in this year's grant funding.
The NFF first launched the Northern Arizona Forest Fund in 2015. Since that time, the Fund has invested more than $2 million into projects that reduce the risk of severe fire, reduce sediment in streams and reservoirs, and improve wetland and spring function across the Coconino, Apache-Sitgreaves, Kaibab, Prescott and Tonto National Forests. By combining funding from Arizona businesses, local municipalities and other sources with federal funding the NFF receives from the U.S. Forest Service, the Northern Arizona Forest Fund has achieved significant results for Arizona's National Forests.
"We are grateful for all of the partners who have supported the Northern Arizona Forest Fund since we first launched it," said Davidson. "Our focus on high-priority projects that deliver real benefits to watershed health and therefore water quality and quantity has allowed us to make a meaningful difference for the forests and for the communities that depend on them."
Northern Arizona Forest Fund projects have included fire-risk reduction work on Bill Williams Mountain, which helped protect private property, sediment reduction on Schnebly Hill Road, which helped improve water quality in Oak Creek and reduced E. Coli transmission, meadow and spring improvement projects and trail erosion control projects. All of the projects improve water quality and quantity or reduce the risk of severe fire, which can negatively affect water supplies.
"The declining health of Northern Arizona forests puts the state one catastrophic wildfire away from an impact on its water supply. The Northern Arizona Forest Fund has made substantial progress in improving forest health, and also provides a model for other regions across the nation facing similar challenges."
Lori Singleton, president and CEO of Arizona Forward
As the congressionally chartered nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service, the NFF works across the country to engage Americans in the restoration and enjoyment of the National Forests.
Learn more about the Northern Arizona Forest Fund and the National Forest Foundation at nationalforests.org.
Heart Foundation: Healthy Eating - Mind Gap
SUBIACO, Australia, Oct. 12 -- Heart Foundation issued the following news release:
Most Australians say they are concerned about how healthy the food they buy is, and think their diet is healthy, yet in reality the proportion of people who meet recommended dietary guidelines is disturbingly low. This is concerning because poor diet is the leading risk factor for death and disability from heart disease.
With National Nutrition Week beginning on Sunday, Heart Foundation dietitian Sian Armstrong has highlighted the gap between perception and reality.
"Ninety per cent of respondents to a recent
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SUBIACO, Australia, Oct. 12 -- Heart Foundation issued the following news release:
Most Australians say they are concerned about how healthy the food they buy is, and think their diet is healthy, yet in reality the proportion of people who meet recommended dietary guidelines is disturbingly low. This is concerning because poor diet is the leading risk factor for death and disability from heart disease.
With National Nutrition Week beginning on Sunday, Heart Foundation dietitian Sian Armstrong has highlighted the gap between perception and reality.
"Ninety per cent of respondents to a recentHeart Foundation survey said that they prepare meals at home, and most of them rely on recipes to do so," she said.
"And the biggest factor that influences recipe selection is how healthy it is - ahead of ease of cooking, and taste.
"On the face of it, this is terrific news.
"But when we asked about the number of fruit and vegetables people usually eat each day, we found that most people don't eat the recommended five or more serves of vegetables or the recommended two serves of fruit.
"Yet it's so easy to get more vegetables in by adding them to tasty recipes and using them as snacks. Begin with an extra serve or two and aim to reach the recommended minimum five serves of veggies and two serves of fruit.
"Try the Heart Foundation website for some suggestions - we have just updated the recipe section and added loads more quick and simple meals that will help you when you're next stuck for suggestions," said Ms Armstrong.
The Heart Foundation says that heart-healthy eating patterns are based on a combination of foods, chosen regularly over time, including:
* fruits, vegetables and whole grains
* a variety of healthy protein sources including fish and seafood, lean meat and poultry, legumes, nuts and seeds
* reduced-fat dairy such as unflavoured milk and yoghurt, and cheese
* healthy fat choices - nuts, seeds, avocados, olives and their oils for cooking
* herbs and spices to flavour foods, instead of salt.
Get more tips to eat well and enjoy your food at the same time.
Conservation Law Foundation Issues Statement on Vermont Yankee Site Transfer
MONTPELIER, Vermont, Oct. 12 -- The Conservation Law Foundation issued the following statement today in response to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval of the transfer of the former Vermont Yankee site from Entergy to NorthStar:
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As part of the transfer, the commission is requiring additional financial guarantees from NorthStar to ensure the facility is properly decontaminated.
"The Nuclear Regulatory Commission was absolutely correct to require these additional guarantees from NorthStar," said Sandra Levine, Senior Attorney at CLF. "This is a major clean-up of a contaminated nuclear
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MONTPELIER, Vermont, Oct. 12 -- The Conservation Law Foundation issued the following statement today in response to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval of the transfer of the former Vermont Yankee site from Entergy to NorthStar:
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As part of the transfer, the commission is requiring additional financial guarantees from NorthStar to ensure the facility is properly decontaminated.
"The Nuclear Regulatory Commission was absolutely correct to require these additional guarantees from NorthStar," said Sandra Levine, Senior Attorney at CLF. "This is a major clean-up of a contaminated nuclearsite that poses pollution risks for generations to come. It is not a project that should be done on the cheap, and it should not leave Vermonters on the hook to pay for cleanup efforts. The NRC clearly recognized the weakness of the proposal that Entergy presented to Vermont regulators."
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CLF experts are available for further comment.
