Martin: On Our Own Terms

The Revolution Will Not Be Funded        

        The revolution will not be televised, and the revolution will not be funded. Andrea raises many good points about organizations that stand against the systematic oppression of minorities and the many issues they may encounter with funding. INCITE relied heavily on foundation grants, specifically grants from the Ford Foundation. Unfortunately, the funding from The Ford Foundation grant was pulled due to statements made by the organization. Leaving INCITE to explore other ways of funding. such as fundraising, needed to maintain the work done by the organization.
          The majority of community engagement work that I have done were rooted in grassroots organizing. Never fully understanding the importance of funding, and where that funding stems from until committing to my major in public health. One of the biggest issues with receiving funds from outside sources, especially governmental organizations is the stipulations that comes with the grants. The money given and the amount given is usually donated with the belief that the organization that is receiving the fund with act accordingly to beliefs that is usually held by the funder. Anything outside what may be agreed upon can impact funding.
          This reading also required that I think more in depth about who bears the responsibility of standing against systematic oppression and the various inequities that exists. Is it the responsibility of the government to correct the issues that they have continued to perpetuate? Is it the responsibility of the people to fight for themselves, when no one else has taken on the responsibility? Organizing and fundraising completed by individual organizations to further their own personal agenda, seems to be the form of support that is the most reliable. Not relying on outside foundation organization means more independence and having to "rely so heavily upon state structures."
          SOUL (Southside Organized for Unity and Liberation) is an independent grassroots organization that focuses on many health inequities that plague marginalized groups that inhabit the Southside of Chicago. They are actively fighting against policies and political figures that may continue to oppress marginalized groups, as well as securing funds for other organizations within Chicago as well. Never relying to heavily on government funding to support their mission. This allows for organizations like SOUL and INCITE and achieve their goals without being heavily restricted.

What are ways for organizations to receive funding without their having to change their mission?