Seattle, Wash. – As reported by the Associated Press, Marguerite Casey Foundation announced a bold $130 million investment to ensure that nonprofits in the movement for racial and economic justice have the resources they need to continue providing critical community organizing, education, and services across the country. This unprecedented financial commitment comes as the nonprofit sector faces growing political attacks from the Trump administration.
Dr. Carmen Rojas, president and CEO, along with Ian Fuller, board chair, of Marguerite Casey Foundation, issued the following statement:
“We are committing $130 million for grantmaking in 2025 in response to a political attack on the nonprofit sector, unlike any we’ve seen in U.S. history. Nonprofits are essential to our communities. From food banks and environmental cleanup efforts to community organizing and education work, these organizations are key to our well-being. Nonprofits employ 12 million people, creating vital jobs that allow people to work in alignment with their values. Simply put, this is a moment for all of us –institutions and individuals alike – to give to the organizations and causes that support and sustain our communities. They show up for us, and today, we need to show up for them.
“Across the United States, nonprofit organizations are doing the daily work of keeping communities safe, fed, housed, and heard. That is why earlier this year, MCF’s board made the unanimous decision to use our endowment to commit five times what the foundation granted last year to ensure community organizations are prepared for the fight ahead. In a matter of weeks, we have granted $40 million to nonprofit organizations working to protect the freedom of the press, free speech, and the right to assemble.
“The Trump administration is seeking to weaponize the federal government to attack nonprofits that provide critical services and information to people across the country, just as the administration has attacked universities, independent law firms, and journalists. But let’s be clear: any effort to criminalize or dismantle this sector is unconscionable.
“In partnership with foundations and donors across the country, we are choosing to meet this moment with a fierce commitment to protecting our freedom to give. No matter where you stand politically, our freedoms make this country worth fighting for. Make no mistake, these freedoms weren’t handed to us – they were won and must be protected.”
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Marguerite Casey Foundation will distribute this investment through its existing and new partnerships with nonprofits across the country, prioritizing organizations that are building grassroots power, defending democracy, and meeting urgent needs on the ground.
