These are scary times — by design. Authoritarians are using a deliberate strategy meant to instill fear, suppress dissent, and fracture civil society.
We know attacks on philanthropy are coming. But attacks on frontline nonprofit organizations are already here. The organizations that we and many other funders support are already weathering an intense storm — divisive political rhetoric, financial uncertainty, deep burnout among staff, and bad faith attacks from actors seeking not to ensure the sector performs as it should but to weaken it.
As funders, we must stand with our grantee partners — our actions can help support their services, protect their leaders, and defend their voices. We must also prepare and unite as funders. When authoritarian attacks come, we must respond with courage, not fear. Here are some of the actions we’re focused on, right now.
1. Keep Resources Flowing
We all depend on nonprofit organizations. From medical research to sports leagues, and from food pantries to business associations, nonprofits touch all of our lives.
Some foundations are already deepening their support for grantees in these challenging times — releasing unnecessary requirements, increasing payouts, supporting safety, security, wellness, and more. Others are understandably worried and wondering how best to show up in this moment. We must choose the “easy courage” of resourcing grantees more and better as they do the courageous work of supporting everyday people in communities.
This year, Democracy Fund has mobilized around frontline organizations’ most urgent needs in the field. Stay tuned for updates on how funders can continue to answer the call from nonprofits doing the work on the ground.
2. Support Grantees When They Face Unfair Scrutiny or Attack
We’ve seen powerful institutions like Columbia and Harvard University, and top law firms targeted, and many have not withstood the pressure. But some have, and there are signs it is working, at least in the short-term. Nonprofits are far more vulnerable, and it is philanthropy’s responsibility to have their backs.
At Democracy Fund, we respect the autonomy and judgment of the organizations we fund, and we work hard to ensure our due diligence from a legal, compliance, and programmatic perspective.
As an organization, we will not stray from our mission or shy away from support of grantees just because they have come under unfair pressure and scrutiny — especially as it relates to our commitment to racial justice. We will pay particular attention to the safety, security, and well-being of our grantees.
We urge our partners to not make the work of those unjustly attacking our sector easier. Do not abandon commitments to justice. Do not encourage grantees to censor themselves. Do not retreat — in words, actions, or dollars.
3. Stand Together as Funders
Democracy Fund just signed onto a public solidarity statement, affirming that we stand with our peer funders and the communities we serve. We encourage others to stand with us now, not later.
Solidarity does not mean that we are not concerned for our own self-interest. Rather, we act in solidarity when we recognize that our own interests lie with those of others. Authoritarians depend on us isolating ourselves out of a sense of self protection. We must reach across divides and stand with one another. This is how we’ll expand our coalition and deepen our partnerships.
Moving Forward With Courage
We at Democracy Fund recommit to the pledge we made at the beginning of the year. We want to reiterate our commitment to an America where all people belong, thrive, feel safe, and have their voices heard.
We will be continuing to seek out ways to move forward together courageously, and we hope you’ll join us.