Migrant justice is “the movement of the 21st century.” – Angela Davis

Philanthropy is embedded within, not external to, overarching systems that deeply shape our societies such as racial capitalism and colonialism, which displace millions from their homelands. The accumulation of large amounts of philanthropic wealth has long been dependent on the oppression of the majority, for the benefit of the few.

Redistributing resources to the most affected and centering their voices in these decisions offers the chance to deconstruct philanthropy’s extractive practices and transform past and present racial harms. 

Practically, too, donors often lack the networks or capacities to reach frontline defenders and grassroots collectives. Building trust-based relationships with activist-centric intermediaries ensures wide-reaching impact across diverse needs, while encouraging a culture of donor organizing alongside the frontlines.

In a time of multiply intersecting crises and rising authoritarianisms, we urgently need bold visions of change and brave actions of collective solidarity for migrant justice. Shifting power to empower directly impacted people opens up new, necessary terrains to build meaningful power for the dignity, belonging, and safety of all.

Our women and gender-diverse Board has decision-making power over grantmaking. In representing organizations on the frontlines of the migration field, these decisions are made with accountable relations and trustworthy reputations to affected communities, and with intimate understanding of the ecosystem’s needs.

As this control over wealth represents a form of power, our Board rotates every 2 years, ensuring that diverse perspectives are able to participate over time.

Funding decisions are made in consensus whenever possible, and by majority vote if not.