Letter from the President

Dear Friends,

Yesterday, McGregor Fund grant partners received a message announcing our board’s unprecedented decision to significantly increase the Fund’s payout rate for the next two years. Here’s a short clip of the voice note they received:

When it became clear what the current administration’s plans were, the McGregor team fanned out and tried to learn what you were thinking, what you were going through, and what you might have to confront. It was clear we were going to have to step up in every way we can.

At our last meeting on March 5, our board made a historic decision for the Fund to double our payout rate for the next two years.

We know we are not going to be able to replace all the government money that will be taken away from the work that you all are doing. But we do want you to know we understand what you’re up against, and we want to step up and support you.

This decision reflects our belief that organizations need immediate, substantial support to respond to sudden loss of revenue and broader authoritarian threats against civil society and fundamental freedoms. Many of our partners are already navigating these challenges. Our priority is to respond first and foremost to those most directly and severely affected, serving communities whose housing and basic needs are immediately threatened.

We also know that showing up right now means offering more than dollars. It means making connections across the philanthropic sector and beyond, sharing knowledge and resources, and offering real partnership rooted in trust and humility.

When Trust-Based Philanthropy partners recently launched their Meet the Moment campaign, we thought it captured what’s required of philanthropy and immediately signed on. We encourage you to read the pledge for funders to move in solidarity with nonprofits, mobilize money in trust-based ways, and nurture possibility and innovation.

Our broader response strategy is still taking shape. We continue to listen, learn, and follow the wisdom of our partners as we chart the way forward — guided, always, by the belief that to steward our resources responsibly is to act with courage, care, and accountability to our community.