BY TFN Staff
The Funders Network has joined more than 100 philanthropic institutions in condemning acts of political violence — as well as recent attacks on members of the charitable and nonprofit sector that seek to portray them as contributing to those acts of violence.
The open letter issued by a coalition of charitable foundations, including numerous members of TFN, was published Wednesday by Unite in Advance.
“Organizations should not be attacked for carrying out their missions or expressing their values in support of the communities they serve. We reject attempts to exploit political violence to mischaracterize our good work or restrict our fundamental freedoms, like freedom of speech and the freedom to give,” reads the statement.
“Attempts to silence speech, criminalize opposing viewpoints, and misrepresent and limit charitable giving undermine our democracy and harm all Americans.”
TFN stands in solidarity with our members and others in the sector committed to creating communities that are more prosperous, sustainable and just, and rejects divisive efforts to impede this critical work.
We’ve shared the full statement below.
➡️ To read the letter along with the full list of signatories, visit the Unite in Advance post on Medium here.
Additional Resources
➡️ In the news: 100-Plus Foundations Stand United as White House Goes on the Attack by the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s Alex Daniels.
➡️ About Unite In Advance: Read this Nonprofit Quarterly piece by Tonya Allen of the McKnight Foundation, Deepak Bhargava of the Freedom Together Foundation, and John Palfrey of the MacArthur Foundation.
Statement on Political Violence and the Fundamental Freedom of Speech
Published by Unite in Advance
“Acts of political violence — from the recent murder of Charlie Kirk to the murder of Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman of Minnesota — have no place in our democracy. Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those lost to these senseless attacks, and we extend our deepest sympathy in the face of unimaginable pain.
Our country is built on the premise that everyone has the right to express themselves, even when others don’t agree with or like what they say. No one should fear for their safety simply for expressing their views. We must all forcefully condemn these heinous acts as affronts to the fundamental principles and health of our nation — and as charitable giving organizations, including those working in communities impacted by these tragedies, we do.
Our organizations are composed of people working to strengthen communities. We support our neighbors when they are in need and remain committed to uniting across divides and partisanship. Philanthropy exists to bring people together, not drive them apart.
Organizations should not be attacked for carrying out their missions or expressing their values in support of the communities they serve. We reject attempts to exploit political violence to mischaracterize our good work or restrict our fundamental freedoms, like freedom of speech and the freedom to give. Attempts to silence speech, criminalize opposing viewpoints, and misrepresent and limit charitable giving undermine our democracy and harm all Americans.
At a moment that is fragile and fraught, we must rise to the higher standard we all collectively desire. Now is a moment for leadership that drives unity rather than sows further division. Our organizations will continue focusing on helping people across all backgrounds, geographies, ideologies, and belief systems, to heal, thrive, and live peacefully together, protected by the freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution.”
“Amuurica!” by Katherine Albin is licensed under CC BY-ND