Fund Like the Future Depends on It: Our Call To Action

The stakes for racial equity have never been higher, and philanthropy’s responsibility to act boldly has never been clearer. The recent election results underscore the urgency for philanthropy to embrace race-conscious grantmaking as not only a moral imperative but a strategic one.

At The Pivot Fund, our mission centers on supporting culturally competent civic news and information to sustain and strengthen a multiracial democracy. In this critical moment, we are doubling down on race-explicit philanthropy, recognizing that it is essential to addressing systemic inequities and promoting fairness, opportunity, and equity for all.

Race-explicit philanthropy is an intentional approach to giving that centers racial equity by addressing systemic barriers and structural inequalities that disproportionately affect communities of color. It acknowledges that race plays a critical role in shaping access to opportunities, resources, and power in society and seeks to directly confront and dismantle these inequities through targeted investments and initiatives.

Navigate the Landscape with the Right Tools

The rise of anti-DEI rhetoric and legislation is no accident—it is part of a coordinated effort to undermine racial equity and stall progress, from the Supreme Court on down through universities and community organizations. Across the country, anti-DEI litigation has surged, often driven by organized campaigns.

It is critical that philanthropy stand firm and advocate for systemic change. Reinforcing efforts to promote equity and inclusion are both necessary and legally sound. By framing these challenges as part of a larger struggle for racial justice, funders can align their strategies with long-term goals of advocacy and resistance.

To help funders respond strategically, we encourage the use of resources like the anti-DEI legislation tracker from the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at NYU School of Law.

This tracker breaks down litigation by issue, regional circuit, and relevant laws, offering clarity on the forces driving these challenges. As the tracker reveals, many of these lawsuits are being dismissed on technical grounds, reinforcing an essential truth: racial justice is not illegal.

We cannot allow these scare tactics to intimidate philanthropy into retreat. Instead, we must lean into the work of funding equity-driven initiatives, knowing that the fight for racial justice remains both necessary and legal.

The Case for Race-Explicit Grantmaking

Systemic barriers require systemic solutions. A race-explicit lens is not optional if we are serious about dismantling inequities and fostering a truly multiracial democracy. House Democrats have urged the corporate sector to remain steadfast in its commitment to racial equity, and philanthropy must follow suit.

At The Pivot Fund, we know that culturally competent civic news and information are essential to empowering communities of color and defending democracy. By investing in BIPOC-led newsrooms and community-centered storytelling, we are laying the foundation for greater equity and representation.

What’s Next for Community-Centered Civic News?

Equity work requires clear-eyed assessments and long-term strategies. The Pivot Fund is advancing initiatives that:

Defend racial equity by supporting newsrooms that highlight and challenge systemic injustices.
Invest in communities of color, amplifying the voices and stories that are too often marginalized.
Strengthen resilience by building infrastructure for sustainable, equity-driven journalism.

This is a call to action for funders everywhere: double down on your commitments, fund with purpose, and stand unapologetically loud in support of race-explicit philanthropy.