NONPROFIT INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX 101: What it means & how it upholds inequity and flattens resistance. (A thread - From an essay by Sidra Morgan-Montoya)

So what is it? The sector is made up of a system of relationships that monitor and control social justice movement. It amplifies corporate/state interests over the voices of those most impacted by inequity.

Ultimately, the system encourages social movements 2 model themselves after capitalist structures, rather than challenge them. So who holds the power & maintains this system?

The sector is held up by relationships between public/private entities (the state/government arms, businesses, individuals, nonprofits themselves), those who make decisions that maintain the power each of them has in society.

This system upholds white supremacy because it limits radical progress/possibilities and preserves the status quo. These entities advance their interests rather than the public good. It is detrimental 2 progress.

It helps the rich maintain control of their wealth & of our movements. For instance, we are taught 2 see the wealthy’s charitable $$$ as proof of their moral character, instead of questioning why they are so wealthy in the first place.

Donations 2 charities/private foundations are tax deductible. Meant to spur support, it comes with consequences. It gives private foundations a way for the wealthy 2 avoid paying taxes, effectively gutting revenue for public social services.

This harms orgs that serve communities of color. The structures in place make it easy for nonprofits 2 become more invested in their funders’ agendas than in the communities they serve. It helps the state to suppress radical ideas.

The result is a sector that limits its ability 2 engage in transformative, community-led justice. It effectively creates a top-down relationship between nonprofits & communities. So what needs to be done 2 resolve this?

If nonprofits want to be a part of systemic change, take cues from grassroots movements built by communities. Orgs created by/for the most marginalized actively challenge this system.

Ppl in radical nonprofits want to do good by finding a constructive avenue 2 fight for racial/economic/gender justice & more. Community-centric fundraising provides a different framework for thinking about how power flows in the sector.

We need 2 move toward empowering communities. The sector is not immune to the pressures of capitalism/structural racism. Communities deserve 2 set the agenda for their own liberation. Nonprofits should be a resource for the struggle.

READ THE REST IN SIDRA’S FULL ESSAY VIA LINK BELOW! https://communitycentricfundraising.org/2020/08/10/nonprofit-industrial-complex-101-a-primer-on-how-it-upholds-inequity-and-flattens-resistance/