This week, more than a dozen of the country’s largest philanthropic organizations issued a rare joint statement condemning political violence, and defending their right to fund the causes they believe in.
The letter, signed by groups ranging from liberal-leaning foundations to nonpartisan charities, comes after weeks of criticism from right-wing activists who argue that big philanthropy is meddling in politics. Some have even called for restrictions on what nonprofits can support.
The philanthropies argue the opposite: that their work is essential to a healthy democracy, whether it’s funding voting rights initiatives, community organizations, or independent journalism. “Silencing us,” the letter said, “is just another way to silence the people we serve.”
But the statement also raises old questions: when billionaires and mega-foundations pour hundreds of millions into political or cultural battles, are they leveling the playing field, or tipping it even further?
It’s a constitutional puzzle. Free speech protects individuals and organizations alike. But if one person’s fortune can drown out millions of voices, is that really democracy, or oligarchy in disguise?
Whether you cheer the philanthropies’ stand or side-eye their influence, one thing is clear: the fight over money in politics isn’t slowing down. If anything, it’s heating up.
(For those of us who don’t have billions, sometimes all we can do is speak up... or wear it. That’s why we made our “Unprecedented, Again” tote: a reminder that democracy doesn’t have to repeat itself.)
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