Pamela Armstrong-Pautz
Vice President of Development
Pamela Armstrong-Pautz is the Vice President of Development at the Commonwealth Foundation.
Pam leads the fundraising strategy that fuels the organization’s mission to advance policy change, expand opportunities, and protect freedom for all Pennsylvanians.
Pam brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, with a record of building high-performing teams, expanding major gift and foundation support, and designing strategies that drive sustained growth.
Before joining the Commonwealth Foundation, she served as Vice President of Development at Hope Rises International, formerly American Leprosy Missions, where she guided a global team through a brand transformation, launched a five-year digital fundraising strategy, and expanded donor engagement worldwide.
Previously, she served as Executive Director of the North Star Initiative, where she increased revenue sevenfold and spearheaded Central Pennsylvania’s first human-trafficking task force. She also served as CEO of the Integrity for Life Foundation, where she pioneered innovative social enterprises, including Pennsylvania’s first nonprofit grocery store.
Pam holds a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and also serves as a Senior Fellow with the Social Enterprise Group.
DBW: Get Your Free Commonwealth Foundation Newsletter
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Op-Ed: The natural gas severance tax is not a good idea
If Pennsylvania government wants more revenue, it should drop continual attempts to increase taxes and regulations and instead nurture widespread prosperity.
Commentary
Read More: Op-Ed: The natural gas severance tax is not a good ideaState Budget
Supplemental Appropriations
Supplemental appropriation is another term for overspending. In theory, this practice covers unforeseeable expenses, but it has become a normal part of the state budget process.
Fact Sheet
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Op-Ed: Support emergency powers amendment to restore transparency in state government
Other states are finding ways to improve transparency and provide clear benchmarks for reopening despite the crisis. Wolf’s insistence on secrecy calls into question his leadership and management of the…
Commentary
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Op-Ed: Pennsylvania voters can help restore transparency
The Pennsylvania House State Government Committee recently held hearings to scrutinize the Wolf administration’s pandemic mismanagement and transparency failures throughout the crisis.
Commentary
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Public Sector Union 2020 Election Spending
Public sector union political action committees (PAC) spent $16.7 million in Pennsylvania during the 2019–2020 election cycle, principally on behalf of Democratic politicians.
Backgrounder
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Op-Ed: Borough of Churches
In northeastern Pennsylvania’s coal region, one town illustrates the vital economic and civic role of churches.
Commentary
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Op-Ed: Pennsylvania Lawmakers Seek to Block Entry to Multi-State Climate Compact
Pennsylvania lawmakers have reloaded legislation from last year that would prohibit the state’s governor from imposing carbon taxes in combination with new climate change regulations without the approval of the…
Commentary
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Op-Ed: COVID-19 shows Catholic schools are a necessity
For nearly a year, millions of students haven’t set foot in a classroom — an unimaginable disruption that has profoundly affected the lives of America’s youngest generation. I promise you,…
Commentary
Read More: Op-Ed: COVID-19 shows Catholic schools are a necessityState Budget
Opportunity Finds a Way
The 2018-19 budget increased EITC by $25 million, providing an additional 8,000 student scholarships. Each child deserves an exceptional education—one that fits their unique gifts and talents. Parents should have…
Fact Sheet
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Downsides of the Minimum Wage
Thank you Chairman Roae, Chairman Galloway, and members of the House Commerce Committee for inviting the Commonwealth Foundation to testify on this persistent issue. I am Elizabeth Stelle, the Director…
Testimony
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Are Pa. Public Schools Profiting from COVID?
Are Pennsylvania public schools profiting off the coronavirus pandemic—while many are keeping their doors closed to students? That’s the question Laura Ingraham asked Jennifer Stefano last night on Fox News.
Media
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Steps to Enhance Election Integrity
In 2020, Pennsylvania’s newly amended election law struggled under unprecedented mail-in voting, yet last minute state guidance and judicial decisions not only skirted election law, but further delayed results and…
Fact Sheet
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Despite Pandemic, Pa. School Districts Fiscally Healthy—Sitting on Billions
March 10, 2021, Harrisburg, Pa. — A new analysis of Pennsylvania school district finances done by the Commonwealth Foundation shows that the vast majority of districts are likely fiscally…
Press Release
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Op-Ed: Student-based funding will renew Pa.’s education system
Most opponents of parental choice claim it “drains” money from district schools. But that’s only true if one believes the money props up a specific system. Two centuries ago, assigning…
Commentary
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Op-Ed: Pennsylvania students try to get back on track as teachers unions fight to stop them
If passed, the reform would increase Pennsylvania’s current tax credit scholarship programs, allow independent authorization of charter schools, remove ZIP code restrictions on public school enrollment, and protect parents who…
Commentary
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Corporate Welfare in 3 Charts
The Governor’s Executive budget includes updated estimates for spending on corporate welfare, which is government favoritism of one sector or business over others. This favoritism is disquised under less innocuous…
Fact Sheet
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How to Vote in Pennsylvania
Topics on this page PennsylvaniaPennsylvania Department of StateVoter registrationVoting…
Fact Sheet
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School Reserve Funds in Pandemic Times
Pennsylvania school officials are projecting local tax revenue losses for the upcoming year due to the wreckage from COVID-19 restrictions. Even if local tax revenue declines, most schools have…
Backgrounder
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