Okay. Not the result we, and millions of Americans, were looking for. The far-right tilt of American government does not bode well for the protection of the environment and the advancement of social justice and human rights that we have fought for.
What now?
The good news is that there is an indelible and enduring thread in America that demands that the public square–defined as our right to make our voices heard, demonstrate for progress, and hold government accountable–remains open and free. The Trump Administration will try to close it. Hollowing out public institutions, threatening the non-profit sector, vilifying those who believe in democracy and human rights, and jailing peaceful protesters is their playbook. Opposing government overreach, exercising our right to free speech, and demanding that the Constitution of the United States be honored is ours.
It’s simple, but not easy.
Nevertheless, the Furthur Foundation is committed to power forward with our commitment to environmental, social justice, and arts initiatives. We extend immense gratitude to all the tireless organizations doing good work in the world.
Midway through the year, anticipating the need to make sure that Americans of all political stripes had access to the ballot box, we sent support to groups working on voter turnout in Arizona, New Mexico, Montana, and North Carolina. We also supported a legal advocacy team in Wisconsin fighting to secure voting rights for everyone in that critical state.
Our largest grant went to the California Environmental Grassroots, a friend and neighbor who has done the due diligence on small groups that are protecting critical habitats around the state. And, because mountain lions are returning to some places in the Golden State, we helped with the programs of the Felidae Conservation Fund.
On our roster of groups fighting for justice and equity are the Southern California Immigration Project, Hack the Hood, the Center for Independent Documentary and the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund. In addition to old friends in the arts, we made a grant to First Exposures (a project of Tides Foundation) in honor of their board member, Mark Haffenreffer.
It is our collective efforts that truly drive progress. Thank you for your continued partnership.
Andre Carothers, on behalf of the Board of the Furthur Foundation
