Why Give to RESIST?

Born out of the antiwar movement in 1967, RESIST has provided initial funding to some of the most effective grassroots organizations across the United States. Back then, RESIST supported the brave individuals who refused to fight in the Vietnam War. Though the breadth and depth of our work has grown wider and deeper over the years, our commitment to peace and justice has remained the same.

Both grassroots groups and donors understand that RESIST is a unique foundation. Groups look to RESIST for funding because most foundations don’t do what we do. We support small, cutting edge groups who are most impacted by the injustices they are organizing to change.

What Makes Us Different?

Traditionally, much of philanthropy has been initiated by the wealthy to maintain the status quo. Our grant making philosophy is completely different. We rely on a diverse community of donors which lets us level the imbalance of power between foundations and grant applicants.

• While many foundations focus on project-specific support, we believe grassroots activists are some of the smartest people in the world and know how to organize in their communities better than we do. RESIST grants allow organizations to determine how to spend their grant award. This enables grantees to set their own priorities rather than having to reshape their mission in order to receive a RESIST grant.
• The vast majority of philanthropy goes toward service work and what some call “band-aid” solutions. While this work can be valuable, we support groups who are committed to systemic change.  
• While most foundations provide grants only to large groups with significant budgets, RESIST believes true change comes from small, dedicated, grassroots groups on the frontlines of the issues they are organizing against.
• Many foundations only support organizations who use certain tactics and specifically do not use others, we support organizing by providing support for whatever strategies and tactics grassroots groups need to utilize for their work - including protests, marches, education, and nonviolent direct action.

We are proud to say that groups such as Students for a Democratic Society, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, United Farm Workers, Vietnam Veterans Against the War, ACT-UP, Center for Constitutional Rights and countless other groups who have made history received early seed funding from RESIST.

These are all of the reasons we hope you decide to join our growing community of activist donors – because without you, none of this would be possible.