This event has already happened. Please see the full recording and learn more about the speakers below. 

On December 4, 2025, philanthropic leaders, foundation program officers, policy officials, researchers, advocates, and community-based organizations gathered for an interactive virtual discussion that examined the role of philanthropy in advancing civil and human rights, racial and economic justice, and multiracial democracy in the face of political retrenchment, legal threats, and backlash.

Participants gained a deeper understanding of the risks foundations face, explored practical strategies for values-aligned giving, and considered how to build authentic partnerships with nonprofits and community-led movements to resist authoritarianism and protect equity-driven progress.

Watch the recording below:

Featured Speakers:

• Carmen Rojas – President and CEO, Marguerite Casey Foundation
• Edgar Villanueva – Founder and CEO, Decolonizing Wealth Project and Liberated Capital; Author, Decolonizing Wealth
• Ashleigh Gardere – President, PolicyLink
• Monica Parisa Rabii – Vice President for Strategic Partnership Programs, NEO Philanthropy
• Wendy Chun-Hoon – President and Executive Director, CLASP (moderator)

Issues explored included:

• The chilling effect of political pressure on philanthropic giving toward racial, gender, and economic justice.
• Historical and contemporary threats to foundation independence in politically volatile and unjust environments.
• The legal, reputational, and operational risks foundations may face, and how to navigate them with courage and resolve.
• The role of philanthropy in resisting authoritarianism and protecting the voices of marginalized communities.
• Strategies to build trust and long-term partnerships between funders and frontline, community-led movements.