Philanthropists, It’s a Dangerous Time to Do Nothing. This Is How to Do the Right Something.
Our democracy is at risk—and philanthropists must act.
There is no longer any reasonable debate about how dire things are. Most recently:
Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good were brutally executed by ICE in Minnesota, two of at least eight civilians also murdered in 2026 alone. At least 32 detained people died in ICE custody in 2025.
Five-year-old Liam Ramos was kidnapped and is now sick and suffering in an ICE detention center, along with many other children whose stories aren’t visible to us.
ICE itself continues to operate with apparent impunity in Minneapolis, Portland, Chicago, Seattle, Detroit, DC, Atlanta, and numerous other American cities.
According to the American Immigration Council, shifts in ICE’s operating practices have resulted in a “2,450% increase in the number of people with no criminal record being held in ICE detention on any given day.”
This is no longer about political parties but about something much more fundamental: Do we believe in the rights and freedoms that make us Americans? Do we hold to values of decency, dignity, due process and simple humanity? And will we stand up for all of it, relentlessly, unceasingly, no matter the cost?
Philanthropists everywhere should feel existential urgency to stand up and be counted on the right side of history. This is not the time for meekness or capitulation. This is not a moment that will improve with silence or a sotto voce, “Yeah, it’s bad out there but what can you do.”
This requires movement.
Fortunately, you’re uniquely positioned to have outsized influence and impact for good.
By virtue of your means, reputation and position, you are considerably more influential—and simultaneously more protected—than those community members who do not enjoy these same benefits. Your risk is lower; your ability to help as an individual, much higher. When you speak, others listen. When you stand up, others take note. When you pressure, those in power reconsider.
You may be wondering what the most practical ways are to render assistance.
First, the basics.
Don’t underestimate the power of speaking up, showing up, and affirming that you see what’s happening and you do not agree. Post on your LinkedIn, X and Facebook accounts. Do it more than once. There is exceptional writing on this topic (see this Atlantic article as a great example), making it easy to share something timely with your own thoughts and calls to action. Remember: your voice lends useful cover to others who want to do the same—but perhaps need a little courage—and helps sustain momentum.
Get personal. If there is a related personal connection, anecdote or observation that connects with what’s going on, share it. This helps reinforce our common humanity—and broadens understanding of our interconnectedness and how these issues are relevant for us all.
Call your elected officials. You may know them—or their staff members—personally and this is the time to apply pressure. If you don’t know them, the 5 Calls app makes it very simple, with updated topics, scripts, and the right contact information at a click (and is a great tool to share with others).
Talk to your colleagues, friends and networks. Organize. Operate as a group—speaking to government officials, media, podcasters, trade groups, etc., as a collective gives you even more power. It is difficult to ignore one influential person but as a bloc, it becomes virtually impossible. This is the time to pull the levers you have. Every single one.
Now about your philanthropy:
Give more to defending democracy. It’s really that simple. Many philanthropists I’ve talked to over the past several months have cited record stock market gains as impetus for even greater levels of generosity. Banish any preconceived ideas of how much you were going to give this year and step into what feels right and brave.
Choose the right groups and then get out of their way. Restricting funds is a mistake. Reputable nonprofits doing the legal, practical and social work of helping our immigrant neighbors and impacted communities know what will be most effective. They need your dollars—and they need their agency. Let them have both, please.
Consider matching or multiplying. If you’re open to the idea, talk to others in similar life circumstances. Give some insights into groups you’re supporting. Ask them to do the same and consider offering to match or multiply their gift up to an amount that feels comfortable.
You’ve undoubtedly heard “If not now, when?” To that we also add, “If not you, then who?”
We must all look at ourselves in the mirror and decide if we will act in a way that ensures we still like what we see.
We have faith that, in our nonprofit and philanthropic communities, we all will.