NEO Philanthropy

Congratulations to Hannah Fried, Executive Director of #NEOPartner All Voting is Local, as she and All Voting is Local were awarded the Elevate Prize in recognition of social impact leaders driving transformative change. Fried shared, “This award is not just an honor for me — it’s a testament to the work we do at All Voting is Local to protect and expand access to the ballot for the communities we serve...At a time when voting rights and our election systems are under direct attack, this support provides a surge of energy into state and local fights for democracy.”   At a time when voting rights and election systems face direct threats, this support boosts state and local democracy efforts. Along with $300,000 in unrestricted funding for All Voting is Local, the Elevate Prize offers a two-year fellowship to help strengthen their visibility, provide guidance for growth, and offer resources for leader and well-being support. You can read more about the Elevate Prize below  https://lnkd.in/gipNKEVQ

In new reporting from Inside Philanthropy, Martha Ramirez gives a comprehensive look at philanthropic efforts to meet the critical moment facing the immigrant community in the US. Some are stepping up. We need more to join us. NEO Philanthropy Vice President and head of the Four Freedoms Fund Rini Chakraborty remarked in the article: “There are many, many, many things that give me hope and should instill a sense of pride and hope in our fellow funders, which is the incredible work of our grantee partners in our communities who have, time and time again, defied the odds and have been able to drive the work toward justice and a more inclusive, robust democracy. Now is the moment when we need other funders to really step up.” Recently, FFF launched the Immigration Frontlines Fund, a rapid-response grant designed to support immigrant communities and their allies in organizing and defending their safety. As these communities fight for protection, the  Immigration Frontlines Fund will provide crucial resources where they're needed most. https://lnkd.in/gr3hD2sB

MacKenzie Scott continues to change the game in philanthropy! In just five years, Scott has given away a remarkable  $19.2 billion in unrestricted gifts to hundreds of nonprofits. The results speak for themselves. These no-strings-attached investments  have allowed  organizations to grow, expand their reach, and support their communities like never before. Two  of NEO’s flagship collaborative funds, Four Freedoms Fund and the State Infrastructure Fund, have been recipients of Scott’s generosity. Scott’s approach is proving once again that trusting nonprofit leaders, because they are closest to the challenges,  by  giving them the freedom to direct funds where they believe they’re most needed truly accelerates  organizations’ ability to make lasting, positive change. Read more about her profound giving in the Chronicle of Philanthropy below https://lnkd.in/eWwc8qgF

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