National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy

Cracks in the Foundation: Philanthropy’s Role in Reparations for Black People in the DMV details how the disparities in areas like education, income, employment and housing for Black residents in the District of Columbia, southern Maryland, and northern Virginia areas (commonly known as the DMV) are not random or natural occurrences but are a string of conscious choices that repeatedly harmed communities. Using publicly available quantitative and qualitative research, the report details how the great wealth that made local philanthropy possible harmed the region’s Black residents in four distinct sectors: media, housing, employment, and healthcare. It also provides a framework for foundations to not only understand their past, but how they may start acknowledging and addressing these harms with community residents. The report is available for download at https://bit.ly/liRI24

Check out Mind the Gap a blog by Jennifer Epps at the Lift Fund "#BlackGirlMagic is a reflection of talent, intelligence, and skill- and it's time that it is fairly compensated in the workplace. And by the way, it ain't magic, it's really hard work." https://bit.ly/3X4ocox

Last year, the Maui wildfires devastated communities, destroyed homes and claimed lives. As we reflect on the anniversary, self-styled billionaire philanthropists like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg won’t be the ones to save us. Their contributions are factions of pennies compared to everything else, every fund. Jeff Bezos uses excessive resources to keep his 14-acre Maui estate lush and green while the island suffers from water scarcity. After the fires he announced the Maui Fund, which has only distributed 15.5% of what he promised. But how much of that supports frontline communities? Similarly, Mark Zuckerberg owns 1,500 acres in Kauai and has made limited contributions to relief efforts. But is this enough to address the systemic issues at play? Billionaire philanthropy often comes with strings attached and, prioritizes their interests over the needs of the most vulnerable and supports a system that continues to exploit rather than empower. Instead of relying on billionaire “expertise,” we should support grassroots organizations and Indigenous leaders who have the knowledge and experience to guide real, lasting change. Organizations like @hawaiipandj, @kanaeokana, @huli_nvda, @kaheaalliance, @aina_momona, @ainaalohafuture, and @HoakaMana are making powerful impacts in their communities. This anniversary let’s commit to collective action. It’s time to hold billionaires accountable and shift power to those who have always been at the forefront of protecting our planet. #MauiStrong #ClimateJustice #PhilanthropyReform #SystemicChange 

Maui Residents Have Been Pushed Out as Landlords Profit Off Wildfire Crisis https://bit.ly/46NTHXg "The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii got calls, too, but from tenants. In the first seven months after the fire, the number of Maui residents who sought help with evictions grew by 50% compared with the seven months before the fire, according to the organization. The high prices offered by the state and FEMA forced at least one nonprofit that was sheltering victims of the fire to bump up its offers to property owners."

”MacKenzie Scott’s gift was completely different from our experiences with many philanthropic foundations, which have been commonly fueled by misconceptions about Native Americans.” — Mike Roberts, President & CEO of First Nations Development Institute and NCRP Board Member While the $132.5 million in grants to Native American-serving nonprofits is a significant boost, it’s important to recognize that Native groups remain massively underfunded. This infusion of resources is a step forward, but it does not fill the gap created by decades of philanthropic neglect.

State and local abortion funds work tirelessly to support communities-primarily Black, Indigenous and Native, immigrant, rural, and low-income those most affected by the crisis in abortion access, there remains a troubling gap between their efforts and the priorities of well-funded national organizations. While political campaigns focus on future access, many individuals need help right now. https://bit.ly/3YBUkRN These state and local level practical support abortion funds organizations, have always been crucial in bridging the gap between the theoretical right to an abortion and actual access, especially for marginalized communities. These funds provide comprehensive support, from case management to covering costs, without imposing restrictions that larger organizations might.It’s vital for those with economic power and influence to recognize and support the immediate needs of community abortion funds. For more on the importance of funding frontline abortion funds, practical support networks, and providers, visit our work at: https://bit.ly/3AcxuG5

📣📣 HIRING ALERT!!! 📣📣 We recently added new positions. Join our organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous peoples and communities, and fostering a world that is just and equitable for all People and Mother Earth.. ⚡️CURRENT OPEN POSITIONS: • Creative Resistance Coordinator | Remote • Hybrid • In-Office • Evaluation Manager | Remote • Grants Management Specialist | Remote • Hybrid • In-Office • Federal Grant Writer | Remote • Hybrid • In-Office • Tactical Media Associate | In-Office • Collective Abundance Program Officer | Remote in Minnesota • Director of Donor Organizing | Remote • Hybrid • In-Office Share with your relatives in your community! ❤️ ⏰ Application deadline varies based on position. To learn more about each position and deadline to apply, visit: ndncollective.org/careers

In 2023, anti-protest bills continued to target Black organizers fighting police violence, as well as Indigenous and #environmentaljustice activists. Piper Fund grantees responded by building coalitions to both block troubling policy proposals and advance new strategies, while also protecting their organizations and communities engaged in protests. Though the efforts to repress dissent have been relentless, the organizers have built crucial relationships among communities and organizations in their broad coalition. The Piper Fund is proud to work with funder partners, including CSFund, Democratizing Justice Initiative, Communities Transforming Policing Fund, and Funders for Justice as well as to support grantees including PROJECT SAY SOMETHING (PSS), Disability Law United and The Equity Alliance (TEA) in Tennessee. View the new digital report here: https://lnkd.in/eRvg65P5

The Abortion Justice Now (AJN) policy brief is a bold call for a comprehensive and uncompromising federal right to abortion. While this brief is directed towards federal funding policy, the values expressed in the brief is a good North Star for all funding, including philanthropic. We stand with frontline member groups who are experts and advocate for abortion rights free from limitations and bans. This is a critical moment to push beyond the restrictive framework of Roe v. Wade and embrace a justice-centered approach. At NCRP, we are committed to uplifting the voices and efforts of our members and partners who are leading the charge in reproductive justice. Join us in supporting #AbortionJusticeNow and advocating for movement organizations that truly reflect our values of freedom and justice. Visit https://bit.ly/4ddoLBV to read the full brief and start the conversation. #NoLimits #ReproductiveJustice #AbortionRights #NoCompromise

"It’s possible that philanthropy will meet this moment by retrenching further and backing off from racial and social justice. We as a sector could bend over backwards to try to mitigate risk, protecting our institutions from scrutiny and only funding things where we feel certain there will be no backlash. But the truth is that philanthropy as a sector has a high capacity to take on risk. We have the privilege and resources to do so. And those of us with power over resources must be in solidarity with the communities and organizations on the front lines." Our Director of Programs Hanni Hanson reflects on how funders can show up in solidarity with grantees and movements in an era of increased political risk. #trustbasedphilanthropy #fundingmovements #philanthropy