Media

Stacey Abrams, MCF board member, unveils her 15th novel, Rogue Justice, at First Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, showcasing her literary talent alongside Marguerite Casey Foundation President, Dr. Carmen Rojas. Their camaraderie adds warmth to the event, emphasizing storytelling's power beyond politics.

The article highlights foundations and donors actively responding to legal challenges around diversity and affirmative action, with nonprofits financially supporting lawsuits and advocating for larger foundation assistance to grantees facing legal hurdles. Dr Carmen Rojas stresses that attacks on DEI efforts reflect broader resistance to addressing historical injustices, underscoring foundations' ability to withstand legal risks compared to their grant recipients. The article encourages foundations to view philanthropy as an expression of their values and to stand firm in supporting justice and equity initiatives.

In the article, Carmen Rojas stresses the importance of clarity in commitments and distinguishing charity from stewardship in philanthropic roles. Highlighting the distinction between reputational and material risks in philanthropy, urging leaders to withstand potential challenges for the sake of grantees and community work. The piece advocates for a redefined approach to risk and progress, urging leaders to build resilience and reshape their understanding of progress while breaking away from fear-based practices in philanthropy.

In recent months, nonprofit organizations are actively responding to legal challenges regarding diversity and affirmative action, including lawsuits targeting race-based grant making. In light of recent Supreme Court rulings, many grant makers and nonprofits feel legally vulnerable. Carmen Rojas urges philanthropic organizations not to shy away from supporting racial justice initiatives despite legal risks, emphasizing the importance of standing by principles in the face of pressure to compromise.

Originally appeared in the Puget Sound Business Journal : Carmen Rojas, with a background in urban planning, discusses her transition to philanthropy and emphasizes the importance of politics in driving positive change. She navigates pushback with curiosity, shares insights into the challenges of philanthropy, and maintains balance through activities like Peloton workouts and engaging book talks in her role at the foundation.

Carmen Rojas and other nonprofit leaders, academics, and funders weigh in on donor influence and free-speech politics, following the resignation of Penn President Liz Magill

Dr. Carmen Rojas is distinguished by Inside Philanthropy among the "50 Most Powerful Women," specifically recognized in the category of The Organization Head. As one of 15 women helming philanthropic organizations, Carmen plays a significant role in shaping grantmaking priorities, fostering partnerships, inspiring her peers, and contributing to decisions on funding allocation.

Dr. Carmen Rojas, president and CEO of the Marguerite Casey Foundation, has been named one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in U.S. Philanthropy,” by Inside Philanthropy, a leading national publication in the nonprofit sector.

Marguerite Casey Foundation announced the 2023 Freedom Scholars, six progressive academics who are leading research and engaging in movement organizing that advances racial and economic justice.

Marguerite Casey Foundation (MCF) is proud to launch a new funding initiative, Public Dollars for Public Good (PDPG). PDPG aims to support organizations that leverage community organizing to shift the balance of power by helping marginalized communities access federal funding and control how those funds are spent. PDPG takes a comprehensive approach to ensure that public dollars are in the hands of traditionally underserved communities and that these funds are spent for the benefit of these communities.

Marguerite Casey Foundation (MCF) announced a new Investment Policy Statement (IPS) established to ensure the management of its assets aligns with the Foundation’s racial equity goals and objectives.

Marguerite Casey Foundation (MCF) announced a new Investment Policy Statement (IPS) established to ensure the management of its assets aligns with the Foundation’s racial equity goals and objectives.

Marguerite Casey Foundation, Kaepernick Publishing, and Haymarket Books, partner up together to release, "Our History Has Always Been Contraband", a book in defense of Black studies. This book will be composed of writings from various scholars and thinkers of the Black radical tradition.

Marguerite Casey Foundation names Ian Fuller as Board Chair and appoints Megan Ming Francis to the board.