BY Dion Cartwright, TFN President & CEO
Philanthropy, at its best, is about turning values into action.
Protecting our planet and advocating for justice. Providing services to those most in need and helping communities recover from crises. Uplifting artistic expression, expanding opportunity and nurturing civic participation.
Every day, I witness members of this network practice their values by moving resources toward causes of critical importance.
This work is not easy. It takes collaboration, compassion and conviction.
So when I read the news about the recent presidential memorandum that unfairly casts suspicion and increased scrutiny on charitable foundations, philanthropic networks and nonprofits — institutions rooted in service, generosity and stewardship — I was both deeply concerned and deeply offended.
But definitely not surprised.
We’ve known for some time that the philanthropic sector could be targeted by an administration that has already launched a barrage of executive orders, investigations and public insults against universities, law firms and other institutions meant to instill fear and quiet dissent.
Even though the recent headlines may have confirmed what many of us suspected was coming, it brings additional stress and strain as we navigate the impacts on our organizations, grantee partners and the communities we serve.
And less time focused on the values that moved us to action in the first place.
Maybe you were inspired by your faith tradition to see a higher purpose in serving others.
Maybe you were motivated by stories of civil rights icons or labor leaders or climate activists.
Or maybe you just had a grandma who never let a hungry stranger pass by her door without offering them something to eat.
We may have arrived at this work from different places, and for different reasons. But the members of The Funders Network share a common commitment to helping create communities that are more resilient, sustainable, healthy and prosperous.
This is work that strengthens our democracy, not weakens it.
No politician, regardless of party, should be able to tell you how to direct your grantmaking or target your team because they disagree with your organization’s mission or values.
Attack on Fundamental Freedoms
The recent directive, which expands federal oversight of nonprofits and philanthropic organizations, is framed as part of a broader effort to address domestic terrorism and political violence.
But this is really an overt attempt to silence our freedom of speech and freedom to give in ways that align with our values.
Foundations and nonprofits must continue to have the freedom to direct their resources as they see fit, regardless of politics or who is in power. And no one should fear for their safety simply for expressing their views, including through peaceful protest.
We at TFN unequivocally condemn the administration’s attempts to restrict these fundamental freedoms, and we strongly object to attempts to cynically mischaracterize the critical work done by foundations and nonprofits.
We recently joined with more than 180 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 and published by Unite in Advance, was spearheaded and signed by numerous organizational members of TFN.
This is just one of many examples of how our members and others in the sector are choosing to meet this moment.
Tap into TFN
Now, more than ever, we must lean into the collective wisdom, experience and strength of this network.
Across TFN, there are rich resources to draw from, including learning cohorts, working groups and peer communities that are bringing funders together.
They’re engaging in deep-dive conversations, learning sessions and one-on-one calls to untangle complex issues, share strategies and identify opportunities for collaboration and action.
There is a deep reserve of hard-earned wisdom in our ranks.
Just last week, I was on a peer community call with members who have been effectively navigating tough political climates and policies at the state and local levels for years. They gave fellow funders not only practical advice about how to face our current challenges, but also a sense of empowerment and resolve by sharing specific examples, tools and successes.
We all have something to share, and we all have something to learn.
That’s why I encourage you to deepen your engagement with TFN in this difficult moment.
Together, we can stand firm in our values, strengthen our collective impact and ensure that philanthropy continues to be a force for resilience, justice and transformation in our communities.
If you’re new to TFN, unsure how to connect with others in our network, or would like to set up a candid one-on-one call with a member of our leadership team, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at membership@fundersnetwork.org.
We’re here to help, and we would love to hear from you.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our network, and of each other.
Additional Resources
Statement on Political Violence and the Fundamental Freedom of Speech | Unite in Advance
Statement: Government Actions Threaten the Independence of the Philanthropic Ecosystem | United Philanthropy Forum
Increased Compliance and Risk Measures for Philanthropy Organizations
The United Philanthropy Forum has shared these key takeaways and action steps following the recent executive memorandum. (TFN is a member of the Forum.)
Key Provisions Affecting Philanthropy:
- The IRS, DOJ and Treasury have been directed to increase monitoring of tax-exempt organizations for potential involvement — direct or indirect — in activities linked to domestic terrorism or organized political violence.
- Nonprofits, funders, boards and employees may be investigated if suspected of providing support or coordinating with such entities domestically or internationally.
- Agencies are expected to review existing and prospective grants, partnerships and programs for compliance, with a focus on preventing illicit funding or association with groups designated as involved in criminal activity or terrorism.
- While the memorandum does not itself create new compliance rules, it signals a shift toward heightened oversight and enforcement.
Potential Action Steps for Foundations:
- Review current risk and compliance practices related to grantmaking, partnerships and political activities.
- Update internal policies and procedures to anticipate strengthened federal oversight.
- Increase training and guidance for foundation staff and boards on compliance and transparency.
For additional advice on compliance and risk measures for foundations, visit the United Philanthropy Forum’s Executive Actions Impacting the Philanthropic and Nonprofit Sectors.
About the Author
Dion Cartwright is the president and CEO of The Funders Network, Dion first joined TFN in 2016 to direct the PLACES Fellowship program and lead the organization’s work to address equity, inclusion, and structural racism. Visit our team page to learn more about Dion and the rest of our staff at TFN.