Media

Dr. Carmen Rojas, president and CEO of Marguerite Casey Foundation, and Miguel A. Santana, president and CEO of the California Community Foundation, speak out on the divisive rhetoric used in the 2024 presidential race targeting Latin American communities.

As Latino leaders from California heading major philanthropic organizations, Dr. Carmen Rojas and Miguel A. Santana issued this statement on the dangerous rhetoric targeting Latinos this election cycle.

MCF, Hammer & Hope magazine, and Haymarket Books bring you Beyond the Ballot: The Left in a Time of Polycrisis, with Naomi Klein, Astra Taylor, Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, and Chenjerai Kumanyika.

Freedom Scholar Mariame Kaba leveraged her MCF award to launch the Audre Lorde Justice Endowed Scholarship in support of librarians for social justice.

MCF invested $180 million with two Black-led strategies: ESG-focused V-Square Quantitative Management and international equity manager Haven Global Partners.

President and CEO, Carmen Rojas joined the Chronicle’s Stacy Palmer in conversation with Marc Philpart of the California Black Freedom Fund, Thomas Saenz of MALDEF, and Olivia Sedwick, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. The group discussed what comes next now that the Fearless Fund settled a court case that was widely watched as a barometer of what grant makers can do in the wake of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling.

University of Illinois Chicago professor Nadine Naber has been selected as a 2024 Freedom Scholar by the Marguerite Casey Foundation, recognizing her dedication to social justice and equity. Naber's contributions include leading research on maternal activism and co-authoring books on social movements.

There is a more humane way to make, manage, and move money than most funders do now. Dan Gould, MCF’s VP of investments and operations, shares four pillars that guide MCF’s values-aligned investing.

Philanthropy empowers communities and fuels imagination. Gloria Riviera discusses with Dr. Carmen Rojas how strategic investment shapes inclusive societies

The op-ed warns of Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, pushing a far-right agenda to reshape the government, prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare. Carmen Rojas, MCF president and CEO< through her commentary, highlights the potential ramifications of this plan, emphasizing the replacement of experienced federal employees with individuals aligned with corporate interests rather than serving the public good.

In her dynamic dialogue with Glen Galaich on Break Fake Rules podcast, Dr. Carmen Rojas boldly challenges conventional norms to champion a holistic philanthropic approach. She envisions a future where philanthropy embraces multiple perspectives, promotes a fair economy and transparent democracy. Carmen's vision is rooted in supporting lasting change and empowering communities.

Stacey Abrams, MCF board member, unveils her 15th novel, Rogue Justice, at First Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, showcasing her literary talent alongside Marguerite Casey Foundation President, Dr. Carmen Rojas. Their camaraderie adds warmth to the event, emphasizing storytelling's power beyond politics.

The article highlights foundations and donors actively responding to legal challenges around diversity and affirmative action, with nonprofits financially supporting lawsuits and advocating for larger foundation assistance to grantees facing legal hurdles. Dr Carmen Rojas stresses that attacks on DEI efforts reflect broader resistance to addressing historical injustices, underscoring foundations' ability to withstand legal risks compared to their grant recipients. The article encourages foundations to view philanthropy as an expression of their values and to stand firm in supporting justice and equity initiatives.

In the article, Carmen Rojas stresses the importance of clarity in commitments and distinguishing charity from stewardship in philanthropic roles. Highlighting the distinction between reputational and material risks in philanthropy, urging leaders to withstand potential challenges for the sake of grantees and community work. The piece advocates for a redefined approach to risk and progress, urging leaders to build resilience and reshape their understanding of progress while breaking away from fear-based practices in philanthropy.

Marguerite Casey Foundation, Kaepernick Publishing, and Haymarket Books, partner up together to release, "Our History Has Always Been Contraband", a book in defense of Black studies. This book will be composed of writings from various scholars and thinkers of the Black radical tradition.

Marguerite Casey Foundation names Ian Fuller as Board Chair and appoints Megan Ming Francis to the board.

Marguerite Casey Foundation announces its Class of 2022 Freedom Scholars.

Investment Will Support Leaders, Researchers and Publishers Committed to Shifting Balance of Power in Our Communities

The press release covers how signatories, including leaders at the Marguerite Casey Foundation, are calling on major asset owners to align their proxy voting with matters concerning racial equity and justice.

Marguerite Casey Foundation (MCF) and Group Health Foundation (GHF) announce the recipients of the $1.5 million Freedom Scholars Awards for 2021, which will support six leading thinkers and scholars whose work can help transform our economy and our society for the better.

“Answering the Uprising: Closing the Say/Do Gap in Philanthropy” Seeks to Bring Together Philanthropies to Heed the Calling of the 2020 Uprisings led by the Movement for Black Lives