STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Mobilizing funders and partners to tackle systemic debt in the South
The Project
The Southern Partnership to Reduce Debt
The Annie E. Casey Foundation launched the Southern Partnership to Reduce Debt (SPRD), a multi-year, multi-state initiative addressing medical debt, fines and fees, student loans, and high-cost loans in the South. Asset Funders Network (AFN) partnered with the Foundation to engage grantmakers, elevate solutions, and inspire collaborative philanthropic action. I was engaged to provide stakeholder engagement support, connecting partners across seven states.
The Approach
Designed and facilitated webinars, peer learning sessions, and convenings—virtual and in-person—to connect SPRD partners, subject matter experts, and philanthropic leaders.
Built relationships among more than 20 local organizations and national partners such as Aspen Institute, MDC, National Consumer Law Center, Prosperity Now, and Urban Institute.
Developed materials and presentations highlighting promising solutions, incorporating data and lived experiences.
Supported AFN in mobilizing funders, leading to deeper philanthropic commitment and investment in debt reduction.
The Results
SPRD cultivated a strong cross-sector network committed to addressing harmful debt and advancing equity. Funders became more aligned, organizations adapted strategies, and local partners gained visibility. Despite political and structural challenges in the South, partners made measurable progress—including erasing more than $35 million of medical debt for Arkansas residents. The initiative built momentum for systemic change and shifted narratives around debt and financial security for communities of color.