In Defense of Civil Society
Anti-Authoritarian Funder Learning Series Part I: In Defense of Civil Society
Presented by Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees, co-sponsored by Groundworks New Mexico
August 12, 2025 - 11:00am-12:00pm MT
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Our nation is at its best when we embrace the promise and potential of our multiracial democracy, casting aside the false narratives that seek to divide and weaken us. Unfortunately, both here at home and abroad, autocratic tendencies have taken root, with leaders cynically exploiting people's fear and material suffering in order to aggregate dangerous levels of power. The moment we currently find ourselves in will require deep unity and resilience to see us through to a renewed and inclusive vision of America.
In this series for grantmakers of all geographies and strategies, we will learn from experts deeply engaged in the study and practice of resisting autocracy and building the systems and infrastructure necessary to defend democratic forms of governance. Together, we will explore threats to NGOs, philanthropy, and other civil society actors; draw on lessons learned around the globe from nations that have grappled with democratic backsliding; and hone in on how philanthropic resources can support local-level defense of communities and democratic norms. Across these conversations, we will also unpack how the scapegoating of immigrants, LGBTQ+, and other communities has divided populations, serving as a precursor to a broader-scale loss of rights.
Part I: In Defense of Civil Society
Movement organizations that serve and advocate for justice for historically-marginalized populations help move America toward a place where we can all thrive in a vibrant multiracial democracy. In this current moment of crisis, they are critical actors in defending against the backsliding of democracy. The threats to the tax-exempt status of today's nonprofit organizations harkens back to the “war on terror” during which BAMEMSA organizations were targeted by the discriminatory enforcement of laws. From the rumored threat of an executive order targeting the tax status of civil society groups, to proposed language in a House bill that would have given the Treasury Secretary unilateral power to revoke tax-exempt status, to partisan congressional inquiries into lawful nonprofit activities, both the executive and legislative branches of the federal government have sought to intimidate and silence nonprofits in the same way they have targeted the media, law firms, students, institutes of higher education, and other groups that express political dissent.
As the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy has urged, it is essential that donors and foundations step up and be bold in the defense of our democracy. In this first installation of GCIR’s three-part series on philanthropy’s role in fighting authoritarianism, we will hear from advocacy groups that are working to protect the civil society sector as well as organizations that have come under attack.
SPEAKERS
- Ben Barge, Field Director, National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy
- Wayne Ho, President & CEO, Chinese American Planning Council
- Darakshan Raja, Founding Executive Director, Muslims for Just Futures
- Vince Warren, Executive Director, Center for Constitutional Rights
MODERATOR
- Nadia Firozvi, Senior Advisor, Moxie Fund
registration
Please register for this program by 5pm PT on Monday, August 11th.
transparency commitment
Thank you for your interest in this program. GCIR's webinars and funder learning opportunities are made possible through the time and expertise of presenters from the field. In the spirit of transparency, GCIR will make available the list of webinar participants to presenters upon request, unless the registrant requests to remain anonymous (to register anonymously for this program uncheck the box "show in roster").