NEO Philanthropy

Cecile Richards was an unshakeable advocate for justice. Her spirit and tenacity left a lasting impact on the reproductive rights movement and on so many of us who knew her. As her family shared earlier this week, Cecile often posed this question from the perspective of future generations: “When there was so much at stake for our country, what did you do?” We will honor her legacy by continuing the hard work of protecting rights and supporting movements to build power so that we may answer “everything we could.” https://lnkd.in/gKvsM3jZ

State Infrastructure Fund (SIF) was featured prominently in “Democracy Donors on How to Keep Hope Alive in 2025 and Beyond,” a new story in Inside Philanthropy by Sarah Henry. Erica Teasley Linnick, VP of SIF at NEO Philanthropy: “This is a moment that pro-democracy philanthropy must meet and the best way to do that is to properly resource the organizations at a state and local level who are trusted by the communities in which they serve.” Henry on the message from Democracy Donors in a nutshell: “Keep hope alive. Savor the victories at the state and local levels. Recharge, regroup and reflect. Mount a defense against threats to those most vulnerable to authoritarian attacks and quash abuse-of-power policies designed to undermine democratic institutions and values. Continue to support grantees on the ground doing crucial democracy work through consistent, trust-based general operating support over a long time arc. And build a bigger tent of philanthropists who support democracy nonprofits and grassroot groups from a diverse, inclusive range of backgrounds.” https://lnkd.in/gBnTCKCt

As immigrants face an increasingly hostile, xenophobic environment and looming deportation crisis, the Four Freedoms Fund is ready to protect and defend immigrant families and communities through its newly launched rapid response fund, Immigration Frontlines Fund. In a new article by Alex Daniels in the The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Rini Chakraborty, VP of FFF, speaks to the necessity of urgent action to keep our communities safe: by “creating a circle of protection (for immigrant families) against raids and roundups.” Through the Immigration Frontlines Fund, FFF seeks to mobilize and deploy $10 million in new funding by June 2025 to immigrant communities across the country. FFF has already made nearly $900K in rapid response grants in the immediate aftermath of the November elections. Instead of tearing families and communities apart, it is time for real solutions that advance freedom, safety, and wellbeing for all families in the US. https://lnkd.in/gP87P7ae

“This election is an unfortunate macrocosm of what Black women experience each day across industries, including mine: a fundamental lack of trust to lead. To finally break free of the shackles of sexism and racism that stymie our ability to achieve lasting progress in this country, we must all confront and recognize anti-blackness and misogyny in not just our elections, but our everyday lives.” Tamieka Atkins, CEO of #NEOPartner ProGeorgia, encourages us to trust in the vision and leadership of Black women. Read more in her latest writing for Ms. Magazine. ProGeorgia is a nonpartisan civic engagement table comprised of 62 organizations working collaboratively across issue areas to advance citizen engagement in the state of Georgia. https://lnkd.in/gqKw2NVK

NEO Is Bringing Indigenous Art to Life in Our Community! We are thrilled to announce Bronx-based multimedia artist and educator, Dennis RedMoon Darkeem as the muralist who will be bringing our Living Territory Acknowledgement Mural Project to life! Dennis is of Yamassee and Creek descent and the proposed mural, titled “We Are Still Here,” will be a “dynamic representation of the resilience, strength, and hope within Indigenous communities. The mural will be created as a digital 2D installment using a combination of digital techniques, painting and traditional elements, allowing for high-quality, scalable installation in the interior space.” The finished piece will be displayed in our office. We look forward to sharing updates of the mural’s progress over the next few months! You can read more about Dennis, on his website, below. https://lnkd.in/ebxcEjMa

#NEOPartner JPB Foundation is now Freedom Together Foundation. Make sure to check out a new report, “Beyond the Grant!” that examines lessons learned from the first 10 years including this vital truth: philanthropy thrives on deep listening, patience, and learning from both our achievements and our setbacks. NEO  is highlighted as part of the need for a collaborative approach: “JPB has been a major partner in three significant projects managed by NEO Philanthropy, selecting NEO as a partner because of their coordinated funding strategies across sectors to address problems in comprehensive and integrated ways, as well as the valuable learning opportunities it provides for funders and grantees alike. Through the Four Freedoms Fund, the State Infrastructure Fund, and the Youth Engagement Fund, JPB has provided over $65 million to state and local organizations.” JPB’s legacy and Freedom Together Foundation’s future are centered on creating a responsive and equitable landscape which NEO is proud to be a part of and will continue to champion community-driven change! Read the report below https://lnkd.in/gRhk9zRj

A Must Read from #NEOPartner Democracy Rising: “There is pressure in the ‘women-in-democracy’ space to focus almost entirely on elected officials. Democracy is a daily practice, much like hope or love. We get better at it as we put time to do it every, single day within the structures of our homes, our workplaces, our communities - not just the ballot box.” A new report informed by dozens of interviews and focus groups with civic leaders across 28 states, “Women of Color, Pathway to Power Report,” outlines a bold vision for transforming democracy across generations.  Excellent insights here leveraging these ideas for impactful change in elections and civic culture. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future! https://lnkd.in/e9DEMUqr

A recent voting rights win in Ohio! #NEOPartner, Ohio Organizing Collaborative was recently named in the recent Ohio Ballot Board decision to keep a Voting Rights ballot to a single measure. This amendment would importantly enhance access to ballots. Democracy is indeed a 365-day endeavor and more crucial than ever.  Let’s keep pushing for change and ensure that every voice is heard! https://lnkd.in/gfSpa_Zj

Congratulations to #NEOPartner Clarissa Unger, Executive Director of Students Learn Students Vote Coalition. Clarissa was recently named as one of the 25 Civic Leaders on this year’s inaugural Democracy Heroes List. The Democracy Heroes are trailblazers, advocates, organizers, and changemakers. “These nonpartisan civic leaders are making a difference in their communities every day - each one breaking barriers and building solutions to ensure all marginalized voters have a seat in our democracy. Through honoring these heroes, our mission is to inspire participation - to illustrate that change happens every day in our communities when we show up.” Read more about Democracy Heroes and the other amazing honorees below: https://lnkd.in/g34QdV6S