A Call for Solidarity: Standing with our Grantees

Philanthropy plays a vital role in a healthy democracy when it actively supports freedom of expression, dissent, and the right to organize for change. For decades, philanthropic institutions have provided crucial resources to organizations and coalitions fighting for justice and equity. This support is essential for a thriving democracy where diverse voices can be heard and contribute to transformative change. 

We know firsthand that philanthropy can be tempted to suppress voices of protest and dissent, especially during times of crisis such as recent global events. 

Genocides and humanitarian crises require us to show up with moral clarity across borders. The San Francisco Foundation is not an international funder. Still, as an organization focused on racial equity and economic inclusion, we stand against all forms of racism, fascism, Antisemitism, and Islamophobia. Locally, we have seen many individuals and organizations express strong points of view on events around the world. We are committed to supporting local efforts that call for peace and justice.

While we are concerned about all efforts to silence civil society, we have seen particularly troubling trends in the philanthropic sector regarding the treatment of groups that have expressed solidarity with Palestine. Over the past year, some foundations have inserted anti-protest clauses into grant agreements or canceled grants for nonprofits involved in protests. We believe that a thriving community is an equitable, inclusive one where everyone has the freedom to participate. We call on all philanthropic organizations to support their grantees and champion their rights to speech, protest, safety, and advocacy.

At the San Francisco Foundation, we have supported this issue through rapid response funding and sharing give guides with our donor-advised fund holders and donors. Additionally, through our trust-based philanthropy practices, we have worked to provide our grantees with increased stability through multi-year and general support grants to organizations engaged in power-building work. 

Here's how philanthropy can support grantees:  

• Defend free speech and protest: Support grantees' right to dissent and organize, even when controversial. 

• Invest in community power: Resource communities to build power and advocate for the change they want to see. 

• Embrace diverse perspectives: Listen to and learn from those with different views and lived experiences. 

• Practice trust-based philanthropy: Build genuine partnerships with grantees based on respect and collaboration. 

• Reject punitive policies: Eliminate practices that silence critical voices or withhold funding based on political views. 

• Support grantees through transitions: Ensure responsible and humane transitions when partnerships end. 

• Commit to long-term support: Provide the sustained resources needed to achieve lasting change. 

We believe a strong, inclusive, multiracial democracy is essential for advancing justice. We stand in solidarity with our grantees, communities, and philanthropic partners who are working to build a more equitable future.