Anti-Authoritarian Funder Learning, Part I: In Defense of Civil Society

Our nation is at its best when we embrace the promise and potential of our multiracial democracy, casting aside the false narratives that seek to divide and weaken us. Unfortunately, both here at home and abroad, autocratic tendencies have taken root, with leaders cynically exploiting people’s fear and material suffering in order to aggregate dangerous levels of power. The moment we currently find ourselves in will require deep unity and resilience to see us through to a renewed and inclusive vision of America.

In this series for grantmakers of all geographies and strategies, you will learn from experts deeply engaged in the study and practice of resisting autocracy and building the systems and infrastructure necessary to defend democratic forms of governance. You will explore threats to NGOs, philanthropy, and other civil society actors; draw on lessons learned around the globe from nations that have grappled with democratic backsliding; and hone in on how philanthropic resources can support local-level defense of communities and democratic norms. Across these conversations, you will also unpack how the scapegoating of immigrants, LGBTQ+, and other communities has divided populations, serving as a precursor to a broader-scale loss of rights.

Part I: In Defense of Civil Society

Movement organizations that serve and advocate for justice for historically-marginalized populations help move America toward a place where we can all thrive in a vibrant multiracial democracy. In this current moment of crisis, they are critical actors in defending against the backsliding of democracy. The threats to the tax-exempt status of today’s nonprofit organizations harkens back to the “war on terror” during which BAMEMSA organizations were targeted by the discriminatory enforcement of laws. From the rumored threat of an executive order targeting the tax status of civil society groups, to proposed language in a House bill that would have given the Treasury Secretary unilateral power to revoke tax-exempt status, to partisan congressional inquiries into lawful nonprofit activities, both the executive and legislative branches of the federal government have sought to intimidate and silence nonprofits in the same way they have targeted the media, law firms, students, institutes of higher education, and other groups that express political dissent.

As the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy has urged, it is essential that donors and foundations step up and be bold in the defense of our democracy. In this first installation of GCIR’s three-part series on philanthropy’s role in fighting authoritarianism, you will hear from advocacy groups that are working to protect the civil society sector as well as organizations that have come under attack.

Target Audience

GCIR programs are open to GCIR members; staff and trustees of grantmaking foundations; philanthropic advisors; and staff of philanthropic support organizations. Under GCIR policy, grantmaking must be the primary function of your organization in order to qualify as a grantmaking institution eligible to register for their programming.

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