Discouragement, despair and anger are understandable and common responses to the current experiences of an advancing global pandemic, systemic racial injustice and an ongoing economic train wreck. Philanthropy, however, can offer a path forward.
Philanthropy is inherently optimistic, reflecting the core belief that we can repair the world and have a positive impact on the lives of others and on intractable societal issues. Through philanthropy, we can make a difference by funding and inspiring change.
“Now is not the time for another review or another survey or another toothless effort to promote change. Now is the time to fundamentally decide whether we are prepared to do what is necessary by committing the resources in our control, make amends and begin building a just world,” writes Lori Bezahler, CEO of the Edward W. Hazen Foundation.
In addition to COVID-19 emergency funding, two issues that cry out for philanthropy’s focus right now are racism and the injustice that flows from it, and the ability to vote in the upcoming elections, in which Americans will elect local, state and national representatives. Those issues will impact the lives of millions of black Americans, as well as others who experience oppression, discrimination and inequity.
Racial justice and equity demand attention
“As much as we hope to be better, hope alone has never proven a sufficient strategy for change any more than outrage over racial atrocities has effectively prevented future atrocities. Instead, adopting a generational commitment to advancing racial equity through collective action may engender real hope for many populations,” writes Marcus Walton, President & CEO of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations. He recommends that the philanthropic community focus on root causes, examine the data on the impact of race in America and exercise power by changing the rules.
“Philanthropy has been at the heart of major advancements in society for generations and will continue to play an important role long into the future, but only if we use the power, privilege and resources we are afforded to create meaningful, deep and transformative change that combats racism as its own deadly disease,” writes Kathleen Enright, CEO of the Council on Foundations.
Many nonprofits are working to advance racial justice and fight racism across the country. Among them are: the Equal Justice Initiative, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Black Lives Matter, NAACP, the Center for Policing Equity and Color of Change.
Voting rights help secure change
The right to vote is one of the most precious rights in our democracy—and it is under direct attack. In recent years, many states have made it harder for people to vote, adopting tactics such as stricter identification requirements, polling place closures, limits on voter registration and early voting, and purges of voter lists. National and state leaders are resisting the push for expanded mail-in voting, even in the face of the pandemic.
Most often, such tactics affect vulnerable populations and communities, including people of color, low-income voters, non-English speakers, young voters, people with disabilities and naturalized citizens.
The causes of racial justice/fighting racism and voting are inextricably linked. Without the ability to vote for candidates who reflect your values and priorities, policies won’t be changed and the structural and systemic inequities in our society will remain.
Philanthropy can play an important role in helping to assure that all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, can make their voices heard in November’s elections.
“The vote is the most powerful, non-violent tool we have in a democratic society,” said U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia. “The right to vote is precious and almost sacred, and one of the most important blessings of our democracy. Today we must be vigilant in protecting that blessing.”
Many 501c (3) nonprofit organizations are working to ensure the integrity of the upcoming fall elections. These include the State Infrastructure Fund, Rock the Vote, The Brennan Center for Justice, Fair Elections Center, Campaign Legal Center and the League of Women Voters Education Fund.
Donors in communities across the U.S. have an extraordinary opportunity to address underlying inequities in our democracy. Traditionally, foundations donate the required 5% of their roughly $1 trillion in collective assets to philanthropy each year, saving the remaining 95% for a “rainy day” or intending their grantmaking to continue in perpetuity.
Look out your window—with the pandemic, racial injustice and voting rights under attack … it’s raining!
Bruce DeBoskey, J.D., is a philanthropic strategist working across the United States with The DeBoskey Group to help families, businesses, foundations and family offices design and implement thoughtful philanthropic strategies and actionable plans. He is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences and workshops on philanthropy. Visit deboskeygroup.com or @BDeBo.