In an unprecedented mobilization of our sector, the Kenneth Rainin Foundation has joined foundations across the nation who are uniting to uphold the fundamental rights and liberties we all deserve and need to thrive. The deluge of reckless federal funding rollbacks and executive actions are undoing decades of hard work by millions of Americans and harming our most vulnerable communities—here and around the globe. We are strengthened by the growing efforts for philanthropy to act—collectively and proactively—in the face of these attacks.
The Rainin Foundation signed on to Philanthropy’s Freedom to Give, a public statement made with over 600 foundations as of early May. While we do not all share the same funding priorities or even visions for the future, we all stand in support of our First Amendment right to make choices and give to our communities as an expression of our values.
Committing To Trust-Based Action
We’re also proud to join “Meet the Moment pledge: A call to action for philanthropy in 2025 and beyond” with the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, National Center for Family Philanthropy and Grantmakers for Effective Organizations. Adding our name to this pledge signals our commitment to do everything within our power to move in solidarity with nonprofits, mobilize money and nurture possibility. It reflects not only our aspirations—but the work we’ve already been doing to build authentic, trust-based relationships rooted in transparency, dialogue and mutual learning.
Trust-based philanthropy is about redistributing power in service of a healthier and more equitable nonprofit ecosystem. Embracing trust-based principles inspired us to invest more deeply in our grantees through program related investments (PRIs) and other means, maintain flexibility in our grants, offer alternative reporting options and eliminate reporting altogether where possible. This moment calls for more than generosity. Together with our grantee partners, we are evolving how we show up, how we listen and how we hold ourselves accountable—to each other and to the vision we’re working toward. We recognize there is much more to do.
Deploying Resources To Safeguard Our Communities
In late January, the Rainin Foundation reacted to the initial wave of executive orders and sweeping changes at the federal level. Recognizing the urgent threats facing the communities we serve in the Arts, Education and Health, we dedicated $4 million to our Response Fund for time-sensitive opportunities along with broad, collaborative efforts to protect and defend human rights and democracy. We encourage our grantee partners to continue to share their emerging needs so our support will remain responsive and relevant.
The Rainin Foundation is committed to affirming our shared humanity and taking collective action to support the stability, resilience and reimagination of our social sector. How to respond in this moment is the pivotal question for individuals, organizations, community and philanthropy at large.
We are being tested, and we must lean into our values and partnerships. Our challenge as a field and an institution is to pivot and move like organizers and movement builders to defend today while building for tomorrow. Business as usual is no more. The freedoms of future generations hinge on the courage and conviction we show in this moment.
