Recently we witnessed a series of events that raise serious concerns about the status of our freedoms and our democracy. In our home state of California, the right to free speech and peaceful assembly were threatened in ways that cannot be ignored. At the same time, nonprofit organizations doing essential, community-based work are facing increased scrutiny and risk for carrying out their missions.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids continue, not just impacting the individuals being targeted—they ripple through entire communities leading to fear and instability that weakens our social fabric. Often, those affected are hard-working people contributing to their communities—parents, caregivers, essential workers. It’s a powerful reminder that when any part of our community is under threat, it affects all of us because our well-being is connected. Nonprofits and communities are being targeted for defending the rights of people detained without due process—a right that protects everyone in the US, regardless of citizenship.
When any part of our community is under threat, it affects all of us because our well-being is connected.
In Minnesota, tragic acts of violence claimed the lives of an elected official and her husband in their home, and another elected official and his wife were seriously injured. These events are deeply unsettling and point to a troubling shift in the environment for public service and civic engagement.
Our Freedoms And Values Are Under Threat
At its core, America is built on ideals—freedom, equality, justice and opportunity. Throughout our history, there’s been a constant push and pull between our country’s stated values and the reality of life for many of its people. Loving this country doesn’t mean ignoring its flaws—it means caring enough to want it to live up to its values. Right now, we see freedoms under threat, divisions growing deeper and too many people being left behind or silenced.
We support the right to speak out, to gather peacefully and to champion causes we believe in. Public officials deserve our respect, and political disagreements should never lead to violence. And organizations should not be targeted just because those in power disagree with them.
We support the right to speak out, to gather peacefully and to champion causes we believe in.
We are grateful to our grantees and partners for uplifting Bay Area artists, helping Oakland children to read and engaging in research to solve Inflammatory Bowel Disease. We will continue to advance our mission together, supporting community-led solutions rooted in lived experience, and remaining true to our vision and values.
Uniting Forces To Defend Democracy In Action
Last month, we joined the Unite in Advance coalition with nearly 700 foundation leaders to respond to executive overreach. Since then, the Rainin Foundation has committed $575,000 in grants to support organizations at the forefront of protecting our democracy, the nonprofit sector and civil society. These funds are backing coordinated efforts—at both the state and national levels—to respond to urgent threats while addressing long-term risks to our shared values, institutions and progress. We are also supporting legal action to prevent unlawful and unconstitutional government overreach. Among the grantees are: Independent Sector, National Council of Nonprofits, Democracy Forward Foundation, We Are California and The Courage Project.
Regardless of political ideology, unified action to protect our democracy is critical.
We are in a moment that will shape what comes next. Regardless of political ideology, unified action to protect our democracy is critical. The freedoms of future generations hinge on our courage, our convictions and what we do. Right now we need clarity and commitment—to stand up for basic freedoms and stand with the people and institutions that help our communities, and our country, thrive.
