Fighting for Democracy and Human Rights in the US

Six months into the new administration, we are experiencing the dismantling of democracy, fundamental rights, and crucial supports for families across the nation. New federal legislation will eviscerate programs on which millions of people rely, including Medicaid and food assistance, and massively ramp up the inhumane treatment of our immigrant neighbors. It’s daunting. But there’s good news, too: Evidence from other countries and our own history show that we can reverse the slide towards authoritarianism and build a better and more equitable democracy. Philanthropy has a pivotal role to play, and I’m proud of how Freedom Together is stepping up. Here’s some of what we’re doing: ➡️ Ramping up Funding. We are contributing 10% of our assets this year, double the 5% required by law. We are giving even more in areas of longstanding focus, like immigrant justice, and to newer areas like protecting grantees’ safety and security. ➡️ Stepping Up. We are working closely with many peer foundations to ensure our funding goes where it is most needed. I’m glad some colleagues have increased their giving, and are doing more democracy funding. I strongly encourage others to step forward. We need you. ➡️ Speaking Out. We are using our voice in defense of our values, including this piece I published in The Guardian. https://bit.ly/3Uty2yf ➡️ #UniteInAdvance. We have joined 700+ peer institutions in a commitment to Unite in Advance of attacks on our freedoms. Philanthropy is a crucial supply line for civil society and we’re defending our sector’s rights to speak and give. Read more about it in this Nonprofit Quarterly piece with Tonya Allen and John Palfrey. https://bit.ly/459CSpn ➡️ #CourageIsContagious. We are partnering with other national nonprofits and foundations to honor Americans who show civic bravery as part of the The Courage Project. thecourageproject.org I’m inspired by countless organizations we support who are showing courage and resolve. To name a few: PICO California organized faith leaders and communities against indiscriminate raids and the deployment of the military to Los Angeles. The National Domestic Workers Alliance and Community Change are organizing health care workers and patients to defend Medicaid. The National Immigration Law Center, Welcome.US and United We Dream are defending immigrant families and refugees every day. Down Home North Carolina , More Perfect, and United Today, Stronger Tomorrow are reaching beyond the choir to build a “bigger we,” fostering communities of purpose across ideological difference. Protect Democracy and the ACLU are standing up for the rule of law. The scientists whose research we support are speaking out for democracy, too. The list goes on. People power is the antidote to what ails us. I feel blessed to work with so many who are making the choice to step up together. Let us all commit to speaking up more, giving more, and doing more. I’m all in. I hope you are too.