GCIR Stands Against Bigotry and Hate

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Statement

Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR) joins a growing chorus within philanthropy standing in solidarity against the white nationalist, white supremacist, and neo-Nazi movements.

As an organization working to advance the inclusion of immigrants and refugees, we condemn the hatred and violence perpetrated in Charlottesville, mourn the lives lost, and stand firmly against racism, fascism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, and xenophobia. We applaud the strong statements issued by our member foundations and our colleague philanthropy-supporting organizations—and we encourage you to read them and share them widely.

At this defining moment for our nation, the philanthropic community must act boldly as a unifying force in defiance of racism and deploy resources needed to protect our democracy and bring about equity and justice for all.

— Team GCIR

Foundation Statements

Member Statements

"....the veil that has allowed us to publicly deny the perniciousness of racism in this country has been lifted."
Andrus Family Fund: Leticia Peguero, Executive Director

"White complacency is the inhalation from which white supremacy exhales.”
Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice: J. Bob Alotta, Executive Director

“I have one message to young people and people of color…: Unite. Organize. Vote.”
The California Endowment: Dr. Robert K. Ross, MD, President & CEO

"No matter how it’s packaged – white supremacy, white nationalism, neo-Nazism – hate and racism threaten our collective well-being.”
The California Wellness Foundation: Judy Belk, President & CEO

“None of us can be silent, or we risk silence being interpreted as acquiescence.”
Heising-Simons Foundation: Deanna Gomby, President & CEO

"It is time for us to stand together.”
The Hyams Foundation: Jocelyn Sargent, Executive Director

"...philanthropy carries an obligation...to root out the abhorrent tendrils of racism, bigotry, and white supremacy..."
The Kresge Foundation: Rip Rapson, President and CEO

“Nazism is not acceptable. White supremacy is not acceptable. Political violence is not acceptable. And creating a false moral equivalence between hate groups and the people who stand up...against them is not acceptable.”​
Northwest Area Foundation: Kevin Walker, President & CEO

“Now is not the time for moral equivocation...Anything less than a forceful rejection of white supremacy serves only to enable extremists."
Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation

“Hate is not normal. That’s the conversation white people should be having..."
Meyer Memorial Trust: Doug Stamm, Chief Executive Officer

"We must address the fear and ignorance underlying the destructive views and hateful acts that are threatening us.”
Omidyar Network

"...we have to go much further and advance a dynamic and bold agenda to end oppression and racism."
Rosenberg Foundation: Tim Silard, President

"There are no simple answers. There are no simple solutions. But all of us can take on the task of speaking up and denouncing acts of hatred."
The San Francisco Foundation: Fred Blackwell, CEO

"America has a precious moment to recommit the nation to equally working for all who share its values and philanthropy has the opportunity to help lead the way.”
Silicon Valley Community Foundation: Emmett D. Carson, President & CEO

"Coming to terms with this history—and redressing centuries of injustice—will require all of us to examine our past and take responsibility for...ways...our society has disadvantaged and exploited people of color over hundreds of years.”
Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock:
The Rev. Natalie M. Fenimore, The Rev. Ned Wight, and The Rev. Jennifer L. Brower

“Transformational change will not come unless we are willing to be uncomfortable.” 
Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights: Shalini Eddens, Director of Programs

“The hatred and bigotry...expressed...in Charlottesville...was a shocking reminder that anti-Semitism and racism are thriving in this country." 
Walter & Elise Haas Fund:
Pamela David, Executive Director; and Stephanie Rapp, Senior Program Officer

Select Additional Statements

"...this ugliness finds new life only when it is given license to grow. Charlottesville was a call to us not to give it that license, not to feed it with the gift of our indifference, but to send it slouching back into the shameful dark where it belongs.”
The Heinz Endowments: Grant Oliphant, President

"We must speak out. We must assert truth. We must force each other to be honest about the growing threats to our country.”
The Pittsburgh Foundation: Maxwell King, President

 

Philanthropy Supporting Organizations' Statements

Members of United Philanthropy Forum

Asian American/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy: Standing with Charlottesville

Hispanics in Philanthropy: Unity: The Strongest Weapon Against Hate

Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities: Speaking out against hate: Our response to Charlottesville, and what our funders are saying

National Committee on Responsive Philanthropy: Wealthy donors and grantmakers: You can no longer hide behind neutrality after the terrorist attack in Charlottesville

Native Americans In Philanthropy: Statement on Charlottesville 2017

United Philanthropy Forum: After Charlottesville, How Do We Move Forward?

 

PhotoBob Mical / Creative Commons