The phenomenon of “rage giving” in support of abortion access has subsided. Organizations that received emergency grants and donations following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade have reported a decline in funding. Major funders of abortion access have either ended or redirected their funding from organizations working in states where abortion has been banned. Women’s health and foster care nonprofits, expecting increased demand in areas with limited abortion access, have also not seen the expected support.
Holly Calvasina, Director of Development at CHOICES, a reproductive health clinic in Memphis, Tennessee, shares her experience. She emphasizes the slow pace of philanthropy in responding to urgent crises, which poses a challenge for organizations preparing for increased need. While some funders anticipated the situation and offered support, others adopted a more cautious approach.
CHOICES witnessed fluctuating fundraising outcomes, such as a notable increase in donations from $2,000 to $150,000 in their annual spring appeal last year, followed by a decrease to $40,000 this year. Organizations in states with reduced abortion access have had to adapt. Marsha Jones, Executive Director of The Afiya Center in Dallas, explains how they used donations received after the Dobbs decision to expand their birthing center. However, she highlights a shift in funders’ priorities from supporting maternal health to solely focusing on abortion advocacy and practical support. Jones argues that reproductive justice encompasses more than just abortion access; it involves respecting individuals’ choices regarding bodily autonomy.
Unfortunately, data on charitable giving to all sectors, including abortion access nonprofits, in 2021 is scarce due to the pandemic delaying the release of donor reports. However, the Giving USA report reveals a decline in giving to human services and public society benefit organizations, while health organizations experienced a 5% increase, which, when adjusted for inflation, is actually a decrease.
Funding for abortion access has an added layer of secrecy, as many donors prefer to remain anonymous and request recipients not to disclose their identities. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, the largest historical funder, eventually reveals its gifts through tax filings. However, the foundation does not disclose its support for abortion access. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation acknowledges shifting or ending grants to organizations in states where abortion is now illegal or restricted. They redirected funding to support providers in safe haven states and are considering investing in maternal health in these affected states. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, on the other hand, provides consistent support for grantees in all states to ensure continued access to abortion care or advocacy against bans.
Overall, donations specifically targeting women and girls represent less than 2% of total donations. Calvasina suggests that anonymous funding, particularly from large foundations, perpetuates inequality within the movement. While some argue that donors prefer anonymity to avoid opposition from anti-abortion groups, others see it as a barrier to achieving equity.
Reproductive health organizations potentially receive substantial funding from donor-advised funds hosted by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, with over $98 million in donations reported in 2022. However, the foundation declines to comment on these gifts as per their policy.
A drop in giving after significant events is not uncommon. Una Osili, Associate Dean at the Lilly Family School, explains that people are initially motivated to make a difference following such events. Danielle Gletow, Founder and Executive Director of One Simple Wish, notes an increased interest in organizations offering direct support, but expresses concerns about how abortion access restrictions may further strain the foster care system.
Despite the challenges, philanthropic support for abortion access has surged in states like New Mexico, which passed laws protecting abortion access and providers. Local organizations in New Mexico have urged incoming funders to coordinate with them. They prioritize providers accepting Medicaid and offering a range of reproductive health services beyond abortion care.
Naa Amissah-Hammond, from the Groundswell Fund, awaits the long-term commitment of funders who provided emergency or temporary grants. She advises funders concerned about legal liabilities to offer general operating support rather than project-based grants and to maintain communication updates through phone calls. Amissah-Hammond points out the lessons learned from peer funders who have been supporting reproductive rights, health, justice, and LGBTQ rights in countries where these issues have been criminalized.
In conclusion, the “rage giving” surge in support for abortion access has waned, leading to decreased funding for organizations involved in reproductive justice. Despite challenges, advocates and organizations continue to seek support, adapt their strategies, and advocate for the broader concept of reproductive justice.
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