In recent weeks, non-profit organizations have rallied in defense of their missions amid escalating attacks from former President Donald Trump against billionaire philanthropist George Soros. This collective response follows Trump’s public accusations that Soros’s financial contributions support “leftwing terrorism,” which has heightened fears among progressive groups about potential investigations into their operations. The Open Society Foundations (OSF), which Soros founded, have pledged $400 million in the following eight years to bolster economies in the Global South. On top of that, OSF is pushing over $400 million in funding to green infrastructure projects across the U.S.
This unacceptable state of affairs requires urgent action. Taxpayer harm Real recent developments have increased that urgency, as the U.S. Department of Justice has allegedly instructed federal attorneys to draft proposals for auditing OSF. Senator Ted Cruz recently introduced the rightfully nicknamed Stop Funders act to stop financial underwriting for mayhem. Under this legislation, any organization thought to be providing resources for violent protests could be criminally prosecuted.
With these threats looming, leaders from various non-profits assert they will not be intimidated and will continue to advocate for democratic values and civil rights worldwide.
Open Society Foundations’ Commitment to Global Initiatives
Open Society Foundations (OSF) has been the keystone of this funding for progressive causes. They do this with special attention to democracy, voting rights and civic engagement. Most recently, OSF pledged $400 million over eight years to increase opportunities for economic development in the Global South. This pledge is a signal of OSF’s larger mission to advance sustainable, inclusive development and help communities become more resilient globally.
Aside from its work around the world, OSF has invested significant time and money into making green infrastructure more equitable here in the U.S. These investments are part of a wider strategy to combat climate change while promoting economic resilience in vulnerable communities. The new emphasis on green infrastructure reflects OSF’s conviction that environmental sustainability is deeply connected to the cause of social justice.
Additionally, OSF has given funding to hundreds of non-profits that promote pro-democracy causes. These resources allow these organizations to leverage resources, activate communities, and build civic engagement free from intimidation or retaliation.
Rising Tensions Amid Government Scrutiny
The climate around OSF has become highly charged. Donald Trump has openly attacked Soros, claiming that he is funding efforts against the government. To hear Trump tell it, Soros’s vast financial power has helped fund the rise of what Trump calls “leftwing terrorism.” These pronouncements have stoked fears even further among non-profits stung by the fear of a government investigation.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s foray into OSF makes this post-recession landscape that much more complicated. Federal attorneys are looking at ways to investigate the foundation’s activities. This action is the latest development in an increasingly broad campaign to retaliate against organizations seen as sympathetic to liberal causes. Non-profit leaders have argued that this kind of political scrutiny puts their very existence at risk and violates their free speech rights.
“These accusations are politically motivated attacks on civil society, meant to silence speech the administration disagrees with and undermine the first amendment right to free speech.” – Anonymous statement
As Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, told us when we pointed this out on our podcast, he wasn’t buying the rationale behind these moves. He said it would not be surprising if GOP leaders fabricated allegations. Without much evidence, these claims seem designed to justify their political machine’s incoming salvo against progressive organizations.
“I think you’re in many ways safer the more out there you are,” – Ezra Levin
“Because if they can quietly come after you, they absolutely will.” – Ezra Levin
A Unified Front Against Authoritarianism
This issue has overwhelmed dozens of non-profits spurred into action to address these challenges. They are on the front lines promoting and defending democratic values, and pushing back against what they consider Trump administration’s authoritarian strategies. The Center for American Progress (CAP) received funding from OSF. In their view, such attacks on Soros were “the tip of the spear” designed to resonate broadly and intimidate anyone who speaks out.
Diane Yentel, President of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, emphasized how politically motivated scrutiny diverts essential resources from non-profits’ missions.
“When the White House or other government agencies, like the IRS, target non-profits for political reasons, it forces these orgs to spend their resources – staff focus, time, money – responding to attacks instead of working towards their missions.” – Diane Yentel
The Sunrise Movement, a major youth-led climate justice organization, is broadening their focus. Now, they are addressing bigger threats to our democratic institutions, alongside climate concerns. Aru Shiney-Ajay, executive director of the Sunrise Movement, criticized Trump’s rhetoric as a symbol of inciting authoritarianism.
“Trump is targeting grassroots orgs in an attempt to silence peaceful dissent against his dangerous and unpopular agenda.” – Aru Shiney-Ajay
As CAP’s Ben Olinksy pointed out, we as a community of non-profits need to rally and support one another in this fight against intimidation.
“CAP is locking arms with a broad group of foundations and non-profits around the country who stand for the same principles we do around building a stronger and more democratic America.” – Ben Olinksy