Our national partner, United Philanthropy Forum, together with the Council on Foundations, Independent Sector and National Council of Nonprofits has issued a powerful joint statement in response to recent federal actions that raise serious concerns for the independence of the charitable sector. While the immediate focus is on a single institution, the implications extend to all of civil society.
Just as Colorado grantmakers are most powerful when we act together, your membership support allows Philanthropy Colorado to play an active role in—and benefit from—unified national efforts to defend our sector’s ability to serve communities without political interference.
UNITED PHILANTHROPY FORUM
Read the statement and proactive strategy from President & CEO Deborah Aubert Thomas:
Joint Statement on Threats to Civil Society
United Philanthropy Forum stands with our sector partners in opposing the administration's stated intention to target Harvard University on ideological grounds. This joint statement reminds the IRS of its vital role as an independent agency that must carry out its responsibilities free from political pressure or influence.
While the immediate focus may appear to be directed at a single academic institution, the implications reach far beyond campus walls—striking at the very heart of American civil society. As our statement declares: "This moment is about more than one institution. It is about how thought, knowledge, and expression are essential to our freedom and to our national identity, and must be protected."
I encourage you to read and share the full statement: Joint Statement on Threats to Civil Society
COUNCIL ON FOUNDATIONS
More than 369 organizations have already signed a Public Statement from Philanthropy
A Public Statement from Philanthropy
Everyone—wherever we're from or whatever our point of view—wants to live in a nation that upholds the fundamental rights and liberties we all deserve and need to thrive.
As charitable giving organizations – private and family foundations, community foundations, corporate foundations, and more – we contribute to communities in every corner of America. Together, we support new parents and elders, veterans and school children, hospitals and libraries, churches and food kitchens, artists and researchers, throughout rural, suburban, and urban communities in every state and territory. Yet in this moment, we face the threat of governmental attacks on our ability to carry out this vital mission, when the communities, organizations, and individuals we support need it most.
We don’t all share the same beliefs or priorities. Neither do our donors or the communities we serve. But as charitable giving institutions, we are united behind our First Amendment right to give as an expression of our own distinct values. Especially in this time of great need, we must have the freedom to direct our resources to a wide variety of important services, issues, and places, to improve lives today and build a stronger future for our country. The health and safety of the American people, our nation’s economic stability, and the vibrancy of our democracy depend on it.
TRUST-BASED PHILANTHROPY PROJECT
Read Meet the Moment: A Call to Action for Philanthropy in 2025, In collaboration with Grantmakers for Effective Organizations and the National Center for Family Philanthropy.
The commitment calls for:
- Acting in solidarity with nonprofits, including support beyond the check and sector advocacy
- Mobilizing funding in a trust-based way, including quicker responses, increased grantmaking and multi-year unrestricted funding
- Nurturing possibility and innovation, including supporting connecting and convening