On December 3–4, 2008, the Council on Foundations, the Brookings Institution, and several generous sponsors, hosted MetroNation: Philanthropy’s Role in a Blueprint for American Prosperity. This forum brought together national leaders for an exchange of ideas and strategies framed by Brookings’ Blueprint for American Prosperity initiative.

Among the speakers was Valerie Jarrett, White House Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Relations and Public Liaison. The following are highlights—and insights—of Jarrett’s remarks. To read specific grantmaker ideas and remarks, please refer to the “Overheard” column in Thought > Action > Impact.

“The Importance of Innovation”

According to Jarrett, the incoming president’s priorities include the economy, foreign policy, education, energy, and health care.

“In terms of innovation,” she said, “there are a lot of pent-up resources that are ready to be deployed. We need to reduce the time to scale and move much more quickly from R&D to implementation. For ‘green initiatives,’ the time is now to share with us the projects that philanthropy has funded and those that have benefited local communities.”

Jarrett’s goal is clear: She wants to help restructure the way resources are delivered to people, but also knows that she will need philanthropy’s help to make this possible.

“We would like to cut the red tape and be more efficient and effective and reduce duplication—keeping in mind checks and balances because we are taxpayer funded.”

“Foundations Need a ‘Partner’ in the White House”

Jarrett stated upfront that she is a “true friend and partner” and wants to work with the philanthropic sector. Her office, she said, will be the foundation and philanthropic community’s “gateway” to the federal government. Foundations will fall under the jurisdiction of the Intergovernmental Relations and Public Liaison office.

She has ambitious plans for the public liaison position and office, namely to help bridge the different disciplines. Jarrett views the White House as a vehicle that brings people together. However, while her office can’t answer or solve all issues, her aim is to engage state and local governments to partner with foundations.

Jarrett asked foundations to be the “eyes and ears” on the street and invited foundations to share their knowledge with the White House, which, she said, “will be a sponge.”

“Our Country is at a Defining Moment…and We Must Keep up the Momentum…”

When Valerie Jarrett uttered those words, she was referring to two things: The grassroots campaign that spread like wildfire and propelled Senator Barack Obama into the White House and the unprecedented economic crisis that’s befallen the nation—and the world.

“A crisis is a terrible thing to waste…from it comes creativity and innovation,” she told a roomful of grantmakers, urging them to continue their good work.

The Importance of Leverage”

Jarrett grew up on the South Side of Chicago and was influenced by her academic parents. Her grandfather, Robert Taylor, was the first black man to head the Chicago Housing Authority.

“He dedicated his life to public service, particularly within housing, which is where I also focused my efforts,” Jarrett said. (Prior to her new job in the White House, Jarrett was the president and CEO of the Habitat Company, a real estate development and management company.)

Jarrett currently serves on the board of the Chicago-based Joyce Foundation. In her previous jobs, she worked to bring together business leaders, government, and foundations on various initiatives.

One of her first experiences working with a foundation occurred in the early 1990s, when she was the Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development in Chicago and she wanted to help revitalize the area around the University of Chicago.

“One part of the university was on the ’healthy’ side of town while the other wasn’t,” Jarrett said.

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation stepped in and provided the seed money for the project. The foundation’s expertise in funding community organizations was also a bonus.

“My office brought the university, philanthropic, and government players to the table to discuss policy and program work,” she said.

Jarrett believes that when these diverse sectors come together, “great things can be accomplished.” Simply put: She understands foundations and therefore, will need no “learning curve.”

“The President-elect believes very strongly in community organizing, where on the South Side of Chicago, he worked every day with people and saw ordinary people do extraordinary things. He understands the importance of enlisting the support of community organizing groups,” Jarrett said.

“Anything is Possible…”

On a personal note, Jarrett shared an exchange she recently had with her mother. Her mother asked her how she knew that Barack Obama could win the presidency. Her response was simple: “Because you raised me to believe that anything is possible. If you work hard and focus, good things will happen.”

For Jarrett’s mother who grew up in a country steeped in discrimination, Obama’s win was monumental. It sent a message that anything is possible.

And in the same vein, that was Jarrett’s message to foundations: There are enormous expectations for the Obama White House to accomplish great things. Foundations are invited to work and partner with the new administration to find innovative and efficient ways to reach that goal.