Steadfast in our Commitment
Responding to the gravity of this moment
In this time of extraordinary disruption for our nation, the stakes have never been higher for those of us working to advance the greater good. The suspension of federal grants and foreign aid, along with the dozens of executive orders curtailing the independence of nonprofits and corporations, will touch every corner of our society.
People and communities are unsettled and looking for courageous leadership as core tenets of our society, including the role of the nonprofit sector, have come under unprecedented threat. At the Council on Foundations, we recognize the gravity of this moment and are steadfast in our commitment to protecting philanthropy and the work you do in communities.
Behind the scenes, we are analyzing the executive orders and other policy proposals, and we’re working with legal counsel to fully understand the implications for you and the sector. This work takes time, and I assure you that we will keep you informed and provide resources in an ongoing way. United with our sector partners and members, we will continue to steadfastly advocate for philanthropy’s role in American life.
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Additionally, Foundations on the Hill offers an opportunity to systematically raise our voices to our representatives. I hope you’ll consider attending.
Finally, we will soon be announcing a set of ongoing private gatherings and peer spaces for our members to learn more about policy changes and process how they might impact your work directly.
And, as in any time of crisis, there are some things that philanthropy can and should do now:
- We can increase our giving when and where need is greatest.
- We can accelerate grant payments to nonprofits as their government grants are paused.
- We can extend credit or loan funds when appropriate.
- We can reduce restrictions to enable partners to use our dollars flexibly.
Lastly, philanthropy can model a commitment to our shared humanity as we move through this difficult time. The cure for hyperpolarization is not more polarization. Philanthropy that serves the greater good is a cornerstone of our society that the Council will forcefully defend.
In partnership,
Kathleen Enright
President and CEO
Council on Foundations
