Staying Fearless: Supporting Equity in an Era of Backlash

The backlash against racial equity and justice has intensified since the Supreme Court struck down race-based college admissions in June. Two months later, the battle shifted to philanthropy, when affirmative action opponent Edward Blum filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Fearless Fund, attacking grants made by its foundation to support Black women entrepreneurs. As the Fearless Fund case unfolds, funders and nonprofits are asking what this means for their work. How can they continue to support equity? What changes should they make to their programs? What impact will changes by funders have on grantees, both current and prospective? And what other challenges lie ahead? The panel will address these questions from the perspective of foundations, grantees, and giving circles and invite the audience into a conversation about staying fearless in an era of backlash. This event is open to all giving circle members, supporters of collective giving groups, philanthropists, and anyone looking to participate in this discussion.

Event Schedule:

• 6:00PM - Doors Open (Light refreshments available, please arrive early as food is limited)
• 6:30PM - Panel Discussion

A discussion with Fatima M. Smith (Collective 365), Hanh Le (iF, A Foundation for Radical Possibility, & Cherry Blossom Giving Circle), Melody Webb (Mother's Outreach Network), and Tamira Benitez (Diverse City Fund).