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Freedom Together in the News: What Every Funder Needs to Know about Stopping Authoritarianism

Dear friends, 

Before we wind down for the holidays, I want to lift up a few bright spots in the Freedom Together Foundation’s efforts to safeguard and deepen our democracy. 

In a recent op-ed, our President Deepak Bhargava, Democracy Fund’s Joe Goldman and Open Society Foundations’ Laleh Ispahani lay out a framework for how funders can most effectively support efforts to reverse the country’s authoritarian slide. “Guardrail” and “breakthrough” strategies offer a one-two combination that has proven effective at halting authoritarian takeovers and mitigating their harmful effects. 

As Deepak, Joe, and Laleh write in the piece, “[g]uardrail strategies seek accountability for government abuses of power through the checks and balances provided by the courts, a robust and independent press, free and fair elections, and the independent authority of state and local governments. Breakthrough strategies use mass organizing and training on nonviolent protest to equip large numbers of people with the skills to peacefully resist government overreach and ensure those guardrails stay in place.” Both strategies require substantial philanthropic support to achieve the small-d democratic renewal that this country so desperately needs.

At the heart of these strategies are ordinary people, nonprofits, and funders having the courage to stand up for our values, even in the most challenging moments. We are proud to join our partners in honoring everyday acts of civic bravery through the Courage Project. Last week, we announced the fourth slate of awardees: 12 organizations and individuals honored for their acts of solidarity and leadership. 

From volunteers in Arizona providing humanitarian assistance to migrants navigating the perilous Sonoran Desert to a wildfire survivor channeling her experience into broader community recovery by providing “Peace Meals” to community members, these awardees embody the belief that even in the darkest times, generosity and human connection can save lives and communities alike. You can read more about the awardees here and find select media clips at the bottom of this email.

We have also continued to reflect on what courage looks like for us as a charitable foundation. Last week, we signed onto CHANGE Philanthropy’s new Level Up pledge alongside the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, McKnight Foundation, The California Endowment, New York Foundation, Four Freedoms Fund and dozens of other grantmakers. By signing the pledge, Freedom Together has committed to once again deliver a payout rate of 8% or higher next year. The pledge offers a great opportunity to commit with courage, clarity, and accountability. You can learn more, and fellow funders can sign on, here.

Last week, Freedom Together hosted an event where we and our partners had the privilege of hearing from the remarkable Valarie Kaur who founded The Revolutionary Love Project. She shared her own experience joining faith leaders in Los Angeles — including, we’re proud to say, Freedom Together grantees — to reject the military occupation of their beloved city. Kaur reminded us of the power in each of us to stand up — with courage, compassion, and love at the center — and, in so doing, to change the course of history. For, as she rightly observes, “[e]very unjust social institution in history seemed permanent until it was imagined otherwise.” 

Here’s to a new year of courageous action and bold imagination.

With appreciation and best wishes,

Daniel Altschuler 

Managing Director

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Freedom Together Media Highlights

The Courage Project: Slate Four Awardees

Follow the Courage Project on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to hear more inspiring stories from awardees.