The Pledge
It’s time for philanthropy to embrace courage over fear, action over inaction,
and long-term commitments to communities over reactive backsliding.
Show that you’re committed to level up your grantmaking
by signing on to the Level Up pledge.
Signers agree to the following:
1. Increase grantmaking by 20% or more OR deliver an endowment payout rate of 8% or higher for at least two fiscal years.
Increase Giving
For foundations with living donors still making new contributions, or for those who give through DAFs or with direct contributions, it’s a promise to give at least 20% more for the next two fiscal years than you did in the two years prior.
OR
Increase Payout
Endowed grantmakers with a payout rate below 8% may sign the pledge if they increase their payout rate such that grants paid will go up by at least 20%. For example, moving from a 5% payout rate to a 6% payout rate will generally result in a 20% increase in grants.
Signatories are highly encouraged to commit to increased spending levels and additional years beyond this minimum threshold.
2. Strive to move these new dollars flexibly and nimbly to directly impacted communities and strategies designed to create a thriving world for all. Examples include:
Support Historically Underfunded Communities
Funding communities who have long been underfunded by philanthropy, including Black, indigenous, Latine, and AAPI people; LGBTQ communities; immigrants; justice-involved individuals; low-income people; people with disabilities; and other marginalized communities
Fund System-Changing Initiatives
Supporting strategies such as organizing and movement building; legal services and community defense; narrative arts and storytelling; critical services and mutual aid; efforts to preserve, protect and advance democratic values and systems, including the right to participate in our democracy and uphold free and fair elections; and other elements of a strong ecosystem for change
Offer Low-Barrier Access to Funds
Move these dollars with general operating support, minimal application/reporting requirements, and other seamless, trust-based procedures.
3. Securely share IRS Form 990 (or relevant information, for entities not required to file 990s) to verify the pledge commitments have been met.
Share 990s
Institutional funder signatories commit to sharing their Form 990 with the campaign when they file it with the IRS.
Share Other Relevant Giving Data
Donors and entities not required to file a 990 will instead be provided a secure method to share relevant data for these years.