A Year Ago, 12 Funders Committed to Support Racial Justice. Here’s What We’re Learning

The Libra Foundation and Tao Rising LLC announced today that they are seeking a passionate, relationship-oriented, and values-aligned leader to serve as President. Review the full job description and application details. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 8, 2024 by 5 p.m. PT. Read the full position posting here.

Looking at the injustices that are engulfing marginalized communities, a clear pattern emerges: how deeply gender is woven throughout all of these struggles. Our carceral punishment system, so clearly weighted against people of color, also comes down heavily on women and LGBTQIA+ people.

Published December 12, 2023 by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Retiring Philanthropy Leader Was Always ‘A Step or Two Ahead of the Pack’ recounts the storied career of Libra Executive Director, Crystal Hayling, as she announces her retirement. “Crystal Hayling continually challenged conventional wisdom, practicing trust-based philanthropy before it was fashionable.” Thank you to the Chronicle of Philanthropy for their detailed reporting on this breaking news.

2020 was a year of momentous and heavy challenges, for us and for our grantee partners. We were caught up in an historic moment, trying to grapple with multiple crises affecting the communities we serve. Racial justice uprisings, COVID, the struggle for democracy. Day to day, we tried to figure out how to support them and hear their concerns. We asked our grantee partners: what more could we do to help alleviate these extra burdens?

Over the last few months, we have experienced tragedy upon tragedy. A nesting doll of death at the hands of white supremacy and patriarchy.

My husband is out of town. My son is at practice. I have a rare moment completely alone. So I sink down on my couch and sob. This catches me