Block and Build Funder Coalition
Who We Are
The Block and Build Funder Coalition is a growing alliance of funding institutions, individual donors and philanthropy-serving organizations committed to resisting authoritarianism, defending movements for justice and safeguarding civil liberties.
We believe philanthropy exists to improve lives, strengthen communities and advance equity—especially at a time when the social safety net that so many rely on is being threatened. Recognizing philanthropy as a reflection of systemic failure, we stand with movements building a multiracial feminist democracy grounded in dignity, autonomy and joy.
Convened in the summer of 2024, the coalition emerged at the request of grassroots movement leaders deeply concerned about escalating repression and the erosion of civil rights, including freedom of speech and the right to protest. Representing diverse organizations and strategies, we are working together to build solidarity when movements and funders are targeted, coordinate strategic defenses against authoritarian threats, take proactive collective action and mobilize resources to meet the moment.
As of June 2025, the coalition has 340 participants representing 140 philanthropic organizations and advancing critical work through six member-led working groups.
Points of Unity
1.
We will challenge authoritarianism with courage and clarity—individually and collectively, publicly and privately. We will stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity as a sector, refusing to isolate or abandon one another. When any of us is under attack, we will all rise in defense.
2.
We recognize philanthropy as part of civil society with a responsibility to defend democratic principles and civil liberties. The philanthropic sector is not above or outside of civil society—we are embedded in it and accountable to it.
3.
We prioritize the defense of democratic and human rights over preserving our long-term funding capacity. In moments of threat, we choose bold action over institutional self-preservation.
4.
We will increase—not condition—our support when civil society organizations are under attack. Our solidarity deepens, rather than retracts, in times of repression.
5.
We will invest in anti-authoritarian infrastructure and cross-sector coalitions that span issues, geographies and ideologies.
6.
We will base our support on trust and alignment, not metrics or evaluations.
7.
We will act with strategic calm, clarity and solidarity. We resist the urge to panic or retreat, prioritizing shared relationships and collective strength over institutional silos or fear.
Our Aspirations
As donors, funders and philanthropic professionals in the Block and Build Funder Coalition, we are committed to transforming how resources move to the frontlines of movements for social justice.
Collectively, we aspire to:
Fund boldly: Choose the path that’s right for our organization but pushes us to do more based on the realities of our institution or family. This could mean increasing our giving by a set percentage, committing to a spend-down strategy, giving beyond tax incentives or delivering multi-year grants upfront when possible. Because individual donors have the power to act nimbly, we will use that agility to move money when and where it matters most.
Protect movements: Fund legal, physical and digital security, and crisis communications for movement partners, prioritizing those most vulnerable due to race, class and gender. Invest in movement-aligned service providers offering protection and infrastructure for groups and sector-wide.
Show up proactively: Call our grantees before they ask—to find out what they need, and listen. Move grants early and provide in-kind support or connections when it helps. Build trusting relationships that prioritize care, responsiveness and solidarity.
Get Involved
We’re building a broad, aligned and courageous community of funders committed to resisting authoritarianism and supporting movements for justice. If you'd like to learn more about the Block and Build Funder Coalition, explore ways to participate or work actively with our member-led working groups, please fill out the form below. We’ll follow up with more information and next steps.
Don’t do this work alone—join a donor network or philanthropic community to amplify your impact, share insights, find support and build collective power. Fill out the intake form above, and we’ll send you information on networks and communities you can join. Remember, solidarity makes us all stronger.