Civic & Political Participation

Leveraging Philanthropic Privilege & Power to Advance Immigrant Justice

Outside the U.S. Capitol, it was an unexpectedly beautiful winter day in D.C. - 60 degrees of sunshine with a breeze. Inside, we walked alongside energized groups navigating the buildings on their own missions. As part of the Foundations on the Hill delegation, Kevin Douglas, Senior Director of National Programs at Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR), guided a group of six of us in and out of the long halls and winding tunnels. In my excitement at being in the People’s House for the first time, where power could lead to transformation or repression, I thought back to the years of the Trump Administration’s inhumane immigration policies.

May 2023

Blog Post

News

Staff Feature: Cairo Mendes, Director of State and Local Programs

I often find myself going back to Davis’ words, especially on days when progress feels so excruciatingly slow and hopelessness begins to set in. Lately this has come in the form of news headlines of another school shooting and continued disappointment with elected officials for not delivering on their promises. Yet Angela Davis’ quote not only reminds me that the fight toward a liberated world takes time, but also that, even on the most difficult days, you must be as bold and far reaching as possible. After all, there is a role for everyone, including those of us in philanthropy, in the long-term fight for equity and justice. Given the considerable influence and power of philanthropy – a $90 billion sector – funders are well-positioned to play a key role in its radical transformation.

January 2022

GCIR Staff Feature

News

All the Tools in the Toolbox: Philanthropic Support for (c)4 Campaigns

Join GCIR for a discussion with the Alliance for Justice and leading immigrant justice organizations to understand how philanthropy can fund in the 501(c)4 space while also learning about active opportunities.

November 2021

Webinar