Strengthening Our Core: The Critical Need for Organizational Infrastructure in Activism

As a social justice activist, political and issue organizer, and the Executive Director of Future Coalition, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of organized, collective action in the pursuit of equity and justice. Yet, despite the passion, dedication, and tireless work of those at the front lines of social justice movements, a critical challenge remains: the profound underfunding and infrastructural limitations that hinder our ability to achieve our most ambitious goals. It's time to shine a light on the vital importance of organizational infrastructure support, a cornerstone for the sustainability and effectiveness of social justice movements.

Social justice organizations, particularly those operating on the grassroots level, are often constrained by limited resources. This scarcity is not just about financial means; it's also about the lack of access to essential organizational infrastructure—legal counsel, compliance support, development assistance—that can make or break an organization's ability to operate effectively and navigate the complex landscape of 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) regulations. The challenge is compounded by a prevailing funding paradigm that prefers to earmark donations exclusively for programmatic work, leaving a gaping void where infrastructural support should be.

This oversight is more than a logistical issue; it's a strategic misstep. Without robust infrastructure, social justice movements lack the capacity to effectively execute on program, nor does it allow them the bandwidth to strategically vision or collaborate with other organizations. We are tasked with not only fighting against systemic injustices but also with building and maintaining the very platforms from which we launch these battles. This is where organizations like Future Coalition, through initiatives such as the Future Incubator, play a pivotal role. By offering Fiscal Sponsorship opportunities and no-cost consulting services, we provide a lifeline to emerging and established social justice organizations, enabling them to focus on their mission rather than being bogged down by operational challenges.

The Future Incubator is more than a support system; it's a testament to our belief in the power of collective action and mutual aid. By offering services like legal counsel, compliance support, and development assistance, we're not just helping individual organizations survive; we're strengthening the entire ecosystem of social justice movements. This approach amplifies our collective impact and moves us closer to our shared vision of liberation and equity for all.

Funders and philanthropists have a critical role to play in this ecosystem. By recognizing the importance of investing in organizational infrastructure alongside programmatic work, they can contribute to building more resilient, effective, and sustainable movements. This investment in infrastructure is not ancillary; it's essential to advancing social justice. It enables organizations to scale, innovate, and navigate the complexities of advocacy and activism, ultimately moving the marker of progress toward our collective liberation.

As we look to the future, let us remember that the strength of our movements lies not only in our passion and dedication but also in the robustness of our organizational foundations. It's time for all stakeholders in the fight for social justice—activists, organizations, and funders alike—to recognize the indispensable value of infrastructure support. Together, by fortifying the backbone of our movements, we can accelerate our journey toward a just and equitable world for all.

In solidarity,

Corryn G. Freeman