AFN Texas Grantmaker Meeting at 2025 RAISE Texas Summit

Join peer grantmakers from across the state of Texas for an engaging discussion lifting up innovative programmatic and policy interventions to expand quality, affordable childcare in our state and supporting the financial health of childcare providers. Recognizing that affordable childcare is critical for the financial health of working families, our workforce and economy, we will explore ideas for strategic philanthropic support across the state to continue advancing innovative solutions. There will be opportunities for grantmakers to build connections with peers from different AFN regions, and delve into ideas for how philanthropy could take statewide or regional collective action on this topic.

9:00am – 9:45am Panel 1: Childcare Landscape in Texas & Opportunities Ahead of Us
Stephanie Rubin, Texans Care for Children (moderator)
Kim Kofron, Children at Risk
Tori Mannes, Child Care Group
Wendy Uptain, Early Matters Texas

9:50am – 10:35am Panel 2: Innovative Child Care Program & Policy Solutions in Texas
Brooke Freeland, Couch Family Foundation (moderator)
Alison Alter, Former Austin City Council Member
Rob DeHass, Dallas College
Mark Larson, Early Matters San Antonio