The Racial Equity Advancement and Defense Initiative (READI)
WHO WE ARE
The Racial Equity Advancement and Defense Initiative (READI) is an initiative of ABFE - A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, Hispanics in Philanthropy, and Native Americans in Philanthropy to promote, expand, and defend race-explicit grantmaking and programming.
WHY WE'RE HERE
In 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) banned the use of race as a determining factor in higher education admissions, emboldening right wing groups to attack racial equity policies and practices in the public, corporate, philanthropic, nonprofit, and other sectors. As a result, some philanthropic organizations are weighing retreating from their commitment to racial equity versus doubling down on it.
WHAT WE'RE DOING ABOUT IT
READI recognizes that SCOTUS’ decision is part of the centuries-long series of attacks on attempts to build the multi-racial, multi-ethnic democracy that we all deserve. Leading with our core strategies, we’re set up to meet the current moment and support long-term strategy. READI will support:
- A fund for nonprofits that are challenged because of race-explicit grantmaking or programming to access legal counsel;
- Pro-bono legal support for nonprofits that are challenged because of race-explicit grantmaking or programming;
- A READI Resource Bank with tools to support nonprofits engaged in race-explicit grantmaking or programming;
- A communications campaign to reach philanthropic decisionmakers and encourage them to double down and expand on commitments to race-explicit grantmaking and programming.
