BY Dion Cartwright, TFN President & CEO
This Thursday is Juneteenth, a day that marks 159 years since the true end of legal slavery in the United States.
It’s a time to honor the ancestors who endured the horrors of enslavement and fought for freedom under the dark shadow of Jim Crow. It’s an opportunity to reflect upon our shared histories – and to also recognize the people showing up in this moment in the struggle for our shared liberation.
TFN stands in solidarity with those who are organizing, mobilizing and peacefully protesting in defense of immigrant communities, our democracy and fundamental human rights. As we navigate these politically fraught times, TFN remains committed to supporting and cultivating work that advances justice, equity and belonging for all people.
The celebration of Juneteenth reminds us that the journey toward freedom is long – and that the hard-won lessons of the past aren’t just dusty history lessons, they are powerful blueprints for resilience and survival.
I encourage our network of funders and partners to continue to invest in work that centers the experiences and needs of marginalized communities, who are already facing disproportionate harm from climate disasters, environmental hazards, economic disinvestment and barriers to health, education and opportunity.
The nonprofit grantee partners who directly serve these frontline communities may be facing increased risks and scrutiny in these uncertain times. As you consider how best to direct your resources in this moment, please ensure that these grantees have the financial, legal and operational support they need to protect their teams and preserve their missions.
Over the past weeks and months, I have been inspired to hear how many philanthropy leaders in our network are doing just that, from small place-based funders to national foundations. Thank you for stepping up.
On behalf of our TFN team, we are proud to work with you in service of creating more sustainable, prosperous and just communities where all people can thrive.
Below are resources and upcoming events to help inform and inspire you over the next few weeks and beyond, as well as a round-up of statements from the sector in response to the recent protests in LA and elsewhere.
How are you and your teams supporting your grantee partners and communities in these challenging times? And how else can TFN support you in this work?
I’d love to hear from you.
In the meantime: Be well, and take care of yourselves and each other.
In solidarity,
Dion Cartwright
President and CEO
Solidarity Statements
TFN Statement: In solidarity with those defending immigrant communities and fundamental human rights.
From the Sector: A curated list of statements and resources from TFN members and others.
Meeting this Moment
TFN is offering learning opportunities throughout the summer to inform your grantmaking work. I invite you to join us for:
Lessons from the 2024 Election Cycle: How Transit Measures Helped Restore Faith in Democracy
June 18 at 3 p.m. ET | Co-sponsored by The New York Community Trust, the Climate and Energy Funders Group, The Funders Network, the Health & Environmental Funders Network, and the New York Environmental Funders Network.
Allyship: How to show up for partners when the going gets tough
June 26 at 3 p.m. ET | Hosted by TFN’s Urban Water Funders
Defending Against Federal Funding Cuts to the Environment & Implementing California’s Climate Investments
June 27 at 10:30 a.m. PT | Hosted by TFN’s Smart Growth California
Effective Narratives in an Era of Mistrust
July 10 at 1 p.m. ET | Featuring by Nat Kendall-Taylor of the Frameworks Institute
Peer Communities
We’re also launching new TFN Peer Communities to help funders tackle the challenges of today, together. They include:
- Funders Working in Conservative Places
- Narrative Change: Stories for Impact
- Data & Technology
- The Executive: CEO Peer Group
Keep on the lookout for more information throughout the summer, or reach out to me directly for more details about these peer communities.
Resources for Funders
Executive Actions & Legislation: TFN is a proud member of the United Philanthropy Forum, which recently updated its Advocacy, Awareness, & Action campaign offerings to aid the philanthropic ecosystem — from infrastructure organizations to foundations to the nonprofits they support — in understanding current and potential future executive actions.