Earlier this year, Grantmakers In Health (GIH) released a statement about the dangerous moment we find ourselves in and the need for philanthropy to stand together and work together no matter what comes our way, because we stand a better chance together than if we go it alone.
We were heartened to see the leaders of the Freedom Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the McKnight Foundation issue an open letter encouraging funders to unite in solidarity and sign on to the Council on Foundations’ statement supporting philanthropy’s First Amendment right to give according to each funder’s distinct values. GIH encourages our Funding Partners and others in our community to join us in signing on.
A Public Statement from Philanthropy
As charitable giving organizations — private and family foundations, community foundations, corporate foundations, and more — we contribute to communities in every corner of America. Together, we support new parents and elders, veterans and school children, hospitals and libraries, churches and food kitchens, artists and researchers, throughout rural, suburban, and urban communities in every state and territory. Yet in this moment, we face the threat of governmental attacks on our ability to carry out this vital mission, when the communities, organizations, and individuals we support need it most. We don’t all share the same beliefs or priorities. Neither do our donors or the communities we serve. But as charitable giving institutions, we are united behind our First Amendment right to give as an expression of our own distinct values. Especially in this time of great need, we must have the freedom to direct our resources to a wide variety of important services, issues, and places, to improve lives today and build a stronger future for our country. The health and safety of the American people, our nation’s economic stability, and the vibrancy of our democracy depend on it.
Everyone — wherever we’re from or whatever our point of view — wants to live in a nation that upholds the fundamental rights and liberties we all deserve and need to thrive.