Righteous Attitudes, Ideological Purity Tests, Zero-Sum Thinking: How Philanthropy Stokes Division

 

Privately, anti-polarization nonprofits and practitioners say philanthropy is part of the problem.


Fourteen contemporary people stand on the pieces of a shattered United States flag. (Getty Images)

Since 2020, PACE, the philanthropic network where I serve as CEO, has been helping grant makers combat toxic polarization. To inform that work, we talk to a lot of people on the ground, including practitioners, organizers, researchers, and others intimately familiar with the antagonism and extremes that roil our country and threaten progress.

Privately, many tell us philanthropy is part of the problem.

Top Lines

  • Those working to combat polarization say philanthropy is part of the problem.
  • Many nonprofits describe “win at all costs” mandates that push them to to pursue victory no matter the means.
  • Coalitions that maximize relationships in service of problem-solving represent a solution.

Now grant makers are not the primary drivers of toxic polarization. Nor do they intentionally operate as

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