Philanthropy’s new mandate—align with the progressive agenda or step aside, Fast Company reports
October 7, 2024
Fast Company claims that philanthropy in America has a serious problem: Not everyone is aligning with the woke and progressive agenda, and that’s creating division. Their argument is that instead of having fact-based conversations to improve the country, we’re wasting time on social media hurling insults and arguing in bad faith, which stalls progress on social equality.
By “social equality,” they mean everything from the 1619 Project to DEI and ESG—all key elements of the Left’s political agenda. Of course, it’s fine to promote these ideas, but it’s also fine for others to push back, spend their money on different causes—like teaching kids to read, which improves the world without pushing a political agenda. You know, actual philanthropy.
But the claim here is that philanthropists should stop debating the what and the how, and just fall in line with the progressive agenda. It’s not about whether we impose it, only about how.
Fast Company also links this to Trump, claiming that his tax cuts and stance on DEI would stifle social progress and worsen income inequality. And while election rhetoric is expected, their message remains clear: the only way forward is the progressive way, and everyone else just needs to get on board.
They argue for policies like affordable childcare, paid family leave, and accessible healthcare, but these are clearly political arguments. The underlying message: if you don’t embrace the woke agenda, your philanthropy doesn’t count.
They go on to suggest that under a Harris administration, organizations like Business for Good would thrive, pushing even further for social equity. And while political endorsements are part of the game during elections, we’d love to see Fast Company publish an opposing view—just to demonstrate impartiality.
How long do you think we’ll be waiting for that?
The real shock here is the assumption that all philanthropy must align with progressive ideals. Anything outside of that isn’t considered true philanthropy.
Let’s hope the donors behind Business for Good aren’t relying on this logic—or their view of civil liberty.