The Work Ahead: Philanthropy and Democracy
Yesterday, Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman powerfully reminded us that “while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated. In this truth, in this faith, we trust.”
We can trust that truth and also recognize that it was not a foregone conclusion that a transition of power based on the will of the people would happen, or could happen peacefully yesterday, especially after the insurrection earlier this month. Nor was it a foregone conclusion that a free and fair election could be conducted in the middle of a global pandemic. The fact that these hallmarks of representative democracy happened is a testament to many things that make our form of government and self-governance possible — our Constitution’s values, our small-d democratic institutions, the principled leadership of everyone willing to set and shape positive norms, and the commitment and engagement of Americans to have their voices heard.
But we know that the work of democracy is not done (it never is), and the risk of political violence is not gone. The factors that contributed to the insurrection must be addressed, including White supremacy and deliberate disinformation. Where we go from here (and how) is worth serious consideration and long-term commitment. Recently, nearly 280 foundations and funders condemned violence and affirmed the principles of democracy in a joint statement; PACE looks forward to being part of that discourse and action alongside you.
For now, any foundations and funders looking for tools and resources related to philanthropy’s role in democracy may find the following helpful:
Resources:
- Democracy Primer from PACE
- Toolkits from Center on High Impact Philanthropy (see my 2019 Q+A with CHIP here)
- Data from Candid
Articles, Essays, and Op-eds:
- How Can Philanthropy Help Rehabilitate US Democracy?, Mohit Mookim, Rob Reich, Nadia Roumani, + Ayushi Vig, SSIR
- Philanthropy’s Inauguration March: What the Work Demands Now, Joe Goldman, Democracy Fund in the Chronicle of Philanthropy
- Philanthropy Can’t Achieve its Goals Unless Democracy Works, Stephen Heintz, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, in the Chronicle of Philanthropy
- Democracy and Civic Life: What’s the Long Game for Philanthropy, an essay series from a range of diverse authors published by Knight Foundation and Kettering Foundation
- America’s foundations can grant democracy room to breathe, Bradford Smith, Candid
- What the attack on the Capitol might mean for Philanthropy, Philip Rojc, Inside Philanthropy
