A time for radical solidarity

For nearly 50 years, the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) has spoken truth to a sector that isn’t always ready to hear it. In moments like this when our worst instincts would be to shelter, blame and self-protect, NCRP calls on funders to move with boldness and work alongside movement groups at higher and more sustained levels. This news challenges us to be more committed to our values and to be more courageous, not less. “This is a time for radical solidarity,” said Aaron Dorfman, NCRP’s President & CEO.

Funders must not abandon groups on the frontlines of our democracy. Our recent voter engagement brief shows that 57% of Americans live in a state that has passed laws limiting civic engagement work, but the leading democracy funders only allotted 6% of grants to voter registration. The most vulnerable pro-democracy groups have been telling funders that the cost of registering one person has gone up exponentially with each federal election. The feast-or-famine, late cycle funding that democracy groups are subjected to doesn’t help them to build power in communities. It doesn’t help these groups to defend themselves against onerous, unjust laws.

All movements feel the implications of an election to some degree:

NCRP’s 2022 report highlighted the stark difference between the support that migrant justice frontline groups received under the last two administrations. “We have all witnessed during this campaign how migrant communities have been scapegoated and targeted for potential violence,” NCRP Chief External Affairs Officer and Vice President, Russell Roybal said. “The organizations that serve these communities deserve consistent support and safety.”

Climate justice: It is more important than ever to continue funding those on the frontlines of climate who have had to endure many election boom and bust funding cycles while the need for their work has only grown more important. “Regardless of the outcome of this year’s election, the climate crisis is not dissipating,” said Senowa Mize-Fox, Movement Engagement Manager for Climate Justice and Just Transition.

To bolster access to abortion in a “post-Roe” nation, philanthropic dollars must be going to abortion funds and direct service organizations on the ground that are facing urgent needs from their community every day. During elections and times of crisis, resources get diverted from abortion funds to larger organizations supporting national advocacy instead of local work. Many funders have succumbed to the false choice between supporting local and national, but well-resourced frontline groups embedded in their communities build power that is felt on every level.

The call to move boldly feels particularly challenging in an environment that has become hostile to progressive movements and their funders. Last year’s Fearless Fund lawsuit and the RICO case against protestor’s bail funds were intended to have a chilling effect on giving, regardless of their success. We owe each other courage and hope and that starts with radical solidarity. With stakes higher than ever, the philanthropic sector must not shrink back.