An Open Letter to Philanthropy: The Time for Action is Now

I woke up this morning to a flood of texts and calls from terrified community leaders—all asking, What now? I’ve seen this before, and this time it’s even more dire. With the results of this latest U.S. election, we’re facing a government that will only deepen the divides in our country, jeopardizing the safety and opportunities for our most vulnerable communities. Those of us who have dedicated ourselves to this work see the writing on the wall. For our communities, this is not a distant threat; it’s immediate.

Nonprofit teams have already given everything to their neighborhoods – and their first instinct today is to pull from deeper reserves to combat the immense challenges ahead. But they wonder how much more they can endure. They know what’s coming. The work is about to get so much harder, and they’ll be forced to pull out their laptops, once again, to plead for resources. Resources they’re not sure will come. Some are ready to quit (for real this time) because they no longer believe that you, our foundation and philanthropic partners, will rise to the moment and see it for what it is.

I want to believe they’re wrong. I hope you’ll prove to them, and me, that you get it. I believe that you’re in this with us.

So here’s my call. And your invitation.

The Future is Now

Given the US election results, the stakes could not be higher. We are facing an unprecedented moment that calls for action—not cautious, calculated steps, but bold, immediate commitment. Endowments, savings, and “rainy day” funds—the rain is here! Flash floods are eminent. So, foundations, it’s time to cast aside stock market returns, endowment growth, and distributing a mere five cents of every dollar you have. It’s time to invest wholly and directly in our communities. It's time to invest in the real people facing injustice and fear every day. To wait is to put lives in jeopardy. The future we’ve talked about preparing for has arrived, and it demands everything we have, now.

Trust-Based Philanthropy—No More Hoops

Enough with the hoops. The communities we serve are already facing immeasurable challenges. They don’t need to be slowed down by more oversight, more conditional funding, more barriers. The federal government is now primed to build walls we can't climb. We need ease of passage from you, our true and trusted partners. We need unrestricted, trust-based, expansive, and catalytic funding that empowers us to respond swiftly, creatively, and effectively to inevitable increased oppression. Trust that we know our communities and can act with agility if only we’re given the resources to do so.

Stand with Us—Fully and Immediately

This is not a call for charity; this is a call for solidarity. We’re not asking for philanthropy to save us—we’re asking you to stand beside us, fully, with your financial resources, and without hesitation. You have an historic opportunity to be part of the most significant movement for anti-oppression and empowerment this country has seen. But that chance will not wait. You have the power to either strengthen our communities and protect our most vulnerable or to watch from the sidelines while lives are left exposed to harm. There is no middle ground here.

We need you with us, in action, in resources, and in full commitment to a better future. The future is now. Will you join us?