Philanthropy is both an act of civic hope and an expression of our American freedom. Yet right now foundations and nonprofits are facing the threat of governmental attacks on our ability to carry out critical work. As Chief Program Officer Miyesha Perry and I shared in our recent blog, this is why the Kenneth Rainin Foundation joined the Unite in Advance coalition, standing with over 723 organizations, to protect our First Amendment right to make choices that are in alignment with our mission and values, and build toward a more hopeful future for generations to come.
While philanthropy might not be visible to everybody, it likely touches every child and every family in some way in America. In the video above I talk about how foundations are woven into the fabric of daily life in ways that often go unseen. From helping new parents, to ensuring elders are cared for, to strengthening schools, hospitals, and libraries, to staffing food kitchens and community centers in every corner of the country, foundations play an essential role. Locally, our funding enhances quality of life by fueling the creativity and innovation of artists and supporting the literacy development of Oakland’s youngest learners. And across the US and internationally, we award grants to scientists doing research aimed at finding a cure for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
In this time of great need, it is critical that nonprofits and foundations maintain the freedom to give without government interference. We invite funders to join the Unite in Advance coalition. It represents a wide range of issues, viewpoints and communities from across the country.
Courage in this moment means to stand up for what you believe in. When we raise our voices for justice, when we choose solidarity over silence, and when we support the most vulnerable among us, we fortify the very foundation of our democracy. Philanthropy can work together to support a world where everyone is treated with dignity. When we invest in communities left behind, we do more than help—we advance the common good.
Help us defend the freedom to give by sharing this video using #UniteinAdvance.
Many thanks to the following Rainin Foundation grantees featured in this video:
- Cox Academy
- People’s Kitchen Collective
- Duniya Dance and Drum Company
- G-Tech Medical
- The Luggage Store Gallery
- Sean San José
- Vanessa Sanchez
- Kyle Casey Chu AKA Panda Dulce
- Antoine Hunter, Purple Fire Crow
