In the midst of a polarized political landscape, one issue that continues to weigh heavily on the minds of many voters is immigration. Despite its prominence in national discourse, the philanthropic support for immigrant and refugee communities has remained relatively scarce. However, a new initiative, the Abundant Futures Fund, is seeking to change the narrative and expand the ecosystem of immigration philanthropy, bringing in new donors and resources to support this vital cause.

Empowering the Immigrant Rights Movement: A Call for Abundant Funding

Bridging the Funding Gap

Recent data from the Pew Research Center reveals that 61% of all voters and 82% of Trump voters consider immigration a very important issue in their voting decisions. Yet, a 2020 report from the National Center for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) found that only 1% of philanthropic funding from the largest foundations went to organizations serving immigrants and refugees. This disparity is particularly striking given the central role that anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies have played in the political discourse of one of the major parties.

Reversing the Trend

The NCRP's 2023 report further highlights the challenges faced by the pro-immigrant, pro-refugee movement. The share of foundation grants for this cause has shrunk by 11% since the introduction of DACA in 2012. While the election of Donald Trump in 2016 and his anti-immigrant policies led to a spike in funding, this increase waned in 2019 and 2020. Moreover, the movement's funding has not kept pace with the overall growth in foundations' wealth, which has quadrupled over the last decade.

Cultivating a New Generation of Funders

The Abundant Futures Fund, launched in 2022, aims to address this funding gap by expanding the ecosystem of immigration philanthropy and attracting a new generation of dedicated funders. The fund's founding donors include the Ford Foundation, the JPB Foundation, and Laurene Powell Jobs' Emerson Collective, who have been joined by the Heising-Simons Foundation. Their goal is to raise $100 million in new funding, and they have already secured $60 million and moved more than $25 million in grants.

Inspiring Donor Engagement

The Abundant Futures Fund's approach to cultivating new donors is multifaceted. They work to educate potential funders, curate immersive experiences, and provide an accessible entry point for those interested in supporting the immigrant rights movement. By taking philanthropic leaders to the U.S.-Mexico border and facilitating interactions with diverse stakeholders, the fund aims to foster a deeper understanding and personal investment in the issue.

Catalyzing New Solutions

In addition to expanding the donor base, the Abundant Futures Fund is committed to funding innovative solutions and catalyzing new ideas. Through its Abundant Futures Lab, the fund supports research, organizing, and grassroots efforts that can lead to policy changes and tangible improvements in the lives of immigrants and refugees.

Turning Down the Temperature on Immigration

The Abundant Futures Fund recognizes the challenges posed by the polarized political landscape and the misleading narratives surrounding immigration. They are actively working to counter the perception of immigration as a divisive and chaotic issue, emphasizing the dynamic and inspiring nature of the immigrant rights movement. By reframing the conversation and highlighting the abundance of resources available in the U.S., the fund aims to create a more constructive and inclusive dialogue around this critical issue.

Paving the Way for Systemic Change

While the Abundant Futures Fund acknowledges the need for substantive reform to the nation's immigration systems, it is also committed to making a difference in the lives of immigrants and refugees in the immediate term. Through its grantmaking, the fund supports advocacy efforts to expand access to protection programs, such as Temporary Protected Status, and helps organizations assist immigrants in navigating these crucial legal pathways.

Towards a Future of Abundance

The Abundant Futures Fund's vision extends beyond the immediate funding needs of the immigrant rights movement. They aspire to work themselves out of business, catalyzing new ideas, attracting new partners, and fostering a future where immigration philanthropy is no longer an afterthought, but a central pillar of the philanthropic landscape. By turning down the temperature on the immigration debate and empowering a diverse array of funders, the Abundant Futures Fund aims to create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.