The Surdna Foundation’s Continued Commitment and Our Call for Solidarity

A letter from Don Chen, president of the Surdna Foundation:

In recent months, the nonprofit sector has faced unprecedented challenges, particularly the loss of funding from government agencies, fear rippling through communities and the organizations that serve them, and attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

During such a turbulent time, the Surdna Foundation’s goal is to be a source of stability and solidarity. I’m writing to reiterate our ongoing commitments. Our longstanding mission is to foster just and sustainable communities in the United States. We believe that no matter one’s race, gender, economic situation, or any other aspect of everyday experience, we all belong, and we all deserve a shot at the American dream.

Our values are grounded in social justice, and our program strategies focus specifically on thwarting racial injustices and inequities that persist in our society. As I wrote on June 30, 2023, we have an unwavering commitment to advancing racial justice in America’s communities. Our grantmaking helps to ensure that people face fewer barriers to equal opportunities and that communities can withstand and overcome the growing hazards of climate change and pollution.

To those ends, we will continue to support grantee organizations that help people participate in our democracy and economy, creative visionaries who seek to express their ideas, those working to make communities healthier and more sustainable, and young people who often face barriers before they have a chance to step out into the world. The positive change we envision requires long-term strategy, capacity, and perseverance. As a century-old family foundation, we are committed to our values and goals for the long haul.

Today’s challenges go well beyond the nonprofit sector. The Surdna Foundation has always taken its civic responsibility seriously, as reflected in our support for democratic participation, transparency, and public accountability. As always, we will continue to support efforts that enable people to robustly exercise their rights and responsibilities, including freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and equal protection for all.

Finally, it is essential that conscientious Americans plan for and practice solidarity to support each other. Powerful polarizing forces are seeking to drive wedges to divide people within our communities, industry sectors, and families. Now is the time for unity, not division. The Surdna Foundation is committed to being a force for solidarity and cooperation to repair harm, bridge divides, and bring people together to stand up for the principles of liberty and justice for all. We strive to foster a nation in which all can thrive for generations. Our future depends on it.

In solidarity,

Don Chen
President, Surdna Foundation