The Courageous Giving Framework: A Philanthropic Strategy to Build a Just Democracy


credit: Flickr

"We may have never imagined that fascism would be looming in our lifetimes, and yet, this is where we find ourselves."

That's the takeaway from a New York Times op-ed by actress and activist Patricia Arquette, who says that over the past 40 years, "individual donors, corporations, donor-advised funds (DAFs), and super PACs have lavishly funded the right."

The " results of decades of strategic, unrestricted funding streams are reflected in an effectively organized movement that has gradually shifted toward extremism," she writes.

"This political moment calls for a comprehensive philanthropic strategy that protects marginalized communities from physical and political attacks while building the economic, cultural, and political power we need to create a future where we all can thrive."

To that end, Arquette has created the Courageous Giving Framework, a blueprint for giving to progressive causes.

"It calls for funders to be as ruthlessly strategic as our opposition and shift from a defensive posture to an offensive one," she writes.

"As a former resident of North Carolina, I've watched as strategic funding to conservative groups subverted the will of the people by shifting a purple state into a gerrymandered red state," she writes.

"North Carolina has become a testing ground for conservative

Read the Entire Article


Selected Foundation News

A customized collection of news from foundations from around the Web.

As It Happened: Gulf News and Being She Excellence Awards 2024

The president of the University of Dubai was among dozens of women honored for their achievements in business, health, media, the arts, and technology at the fourth annual Excellence Awards in Dubai...more

Women Only: Indian Links in Kings Birthday Honours 2024

Three women from Australia's Indian community have been named in the country's Order of Australia for their contributions to society. Harinder Kaur, 29,Niharika Hiremath, 29, and Sakshi Thakur,...more

Seize the Day! 50 Unforgettable Summer Activities

It's that time of year again: the time of year when many of us crank up our air-con and head out for a dip in the pool. But what if we told you that summer is also a great time to get outside and...more

How Climate Change Is Impacting Oceans Around The World

A bleaching event is hitting coral reefs around the world for the first time in recorded history, and scientists are warning that it could be bad news for humans as well. The bleaching, which is...more

Afrilabs, Um6P Ventures Partner To Drive Innovation And Support For Startups Across Africa

The University of Maryland's Center for Entrepreneurship is known for its support of entrepreneurship and innovation in the US, but it's now looking to expand its reach into Africa. The center,...more

Hotelschool The Hague and Cto Forge Partnership for Sustainable Tourism Innovation

Students from all over the world are heading to Miami this week for the semi-finals of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, a competition designed to inspire students to think outside the box when...more

Naomi R. Stotts Obituary

Naomi Evans Stotts was born in Nebraska to a family of six and grew up in Loveland, Colo., where she attended school and worked at a library for 25 years. She died peacefully in her sleep last...more

Survey Shows Boost in Donations for Most Charities

A new report from consulting firm Wavecrest and CCS Fundraising finds that charitable giving is on the rise among Bermuda non-profit organizations, the Guardian reports. The report found that of...more

Greek Economy Expands in First Quarter as Investment Rises

Greece's economy grew by 0.7% in the first quarter of this year, the country's statistics service announced today, which is a lot better than the government's initial forecast of 0.3%. The...more

Looking at Impact, Risk and Return

There's a new way to invest in the world, and it involves putting your money where your mouth is. In a new video, 3Bank's CEO Vladimir Vukotic and fund manager Tim Crijns explain how the Serbian...more






Dsenyo, founded and designed by Marissa Perry Saints, seeks to help women and artisans working their way out of poverty. Dsenyo is an ethical fashion company that operates as a social enterprise that supports living wage opportunities for workers in Malawi, Africa.




Federal Government Grant and Assistance Programs



Edited by: Michael Saunders

© 2008-2024 Copyright Michael Saunders