Welcome ari vargas: Our Newest Learning Fellow!

Woman smiling at scenic coastal view of cliffs and ocean, wearing sunglasses and jacket, under clear blue sky.

We are thrilled to have ari vargas join Ktisis Capital as a Learning Fellow! Through this year-long program, our fellows gain experience and exposure while becoming skilled emerging leaders in the philanthropic field. ari comes to Ktisis with nearly a decade of experience in community and cultural events organizing for BIPOC and queer and trans […]

When Nonprofits Are Under Attack, Security Must Be Funded

Hiker offering a helping hand on a trail, showcasing teamwork and support in nature's landscape.

đź“· credit: LumiNola For justice-focused nonprofits, the work has never been more urgent or more dangerous.  Nonprofits focused on advancing immigrant rights, racial justice, social justice, environmental justice, and defending our democracy are under siege from an escalating wave of attacks. They’re facing politically motivated audits, legal harassment, online threats, and funding retaliation, all while […]

Ktisis Capital’s Democracy Learning Cohort: Shaping the Future of Democratic Philanthropy

Team meeting at a wooden table with diverse professionals taking notes and discussing ideas in bright natural light.

đź“· credit: Dylan Gillis In April, Ktisis Capital will launch another cycle of the Democracy Learning Cohort (DLC), a program designed to deepen donors’ understanding of strategies for funding civic engagement and building long-term power in the face of unprecedented threats to democracy. Participants will join a cohort of like-minded philanthropists on a carefully crafted, […]

Understanding Extreme Wealth Today

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đź“· credit: StockCake The following was originally published in Mike Gast’s Organize the Rich Substack in a post entitled “Who are the wealthy in the US today?”. Mike is a longtime friend and colleague of our founder Jason Franklin since their organizing time together in Resource Generation in the early 2000s through to today. I […]

Protecting Immigrant Communities in 2025: A Call for Philanthropic Action

Protest signs advocating for immigrant rights with festive lights in the background.

đź“· credit: Rawpixel On November 6, the United States of America woke up to face a stark new reality and an uncertain future. We know that this uncertainty and fear is impacting certain communities disproportionately as people worry about their rights disappearing – communities of color, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, and women, to name a few.  […]

After the Votes Are Counted: Strategic Insights for Democracy Funders

Peaceful protest with signs in front of the U.S. Capitol building advocating for democracy and rights.

đź“· credit: Ted Eytan / Flickr Despite record-setting fundraising and massive GOTV efforts during the 2024 election, progressive losses across the board present advocates with daunting political challenges over the next four years. The election resulted in losses of the Presidency and Senate and failed to flip the House, leaving a federal landscape increasingly hostile […]

Welcome Sonja Hansen: Our Newest Communications Fellow!

Smiling woman in a white shirt standing by a body of water.

We’re delighted to announce that Sonja Hansen has joined Ktisis Capital as our newest Communications Fellow! As part of our fellowship program designed to support emerging leaders in philanthropy and social justice, Sonja will play a vital role in advancing our mission through strategic communications and storytelling. A Stanford University graduate with a B.S. in […]

Social Justice Donors vs. Mainstream Wealthy Donors: A Comparative Analysis

Protest sign reading Speak Up, Stand Up, Show Up For Justice with surrounding greenery and soft background.

đź“· credit: Johnson Center for Philanthropy Reposted from the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy. In the diverse landscape of philanthropy, a groundbreaking report from Ktisis Capital has illuminated stark differences between social justice donors (SJ donors) and the general population of wealthy donors. This first-of-its-kind comparative analysis offers valuable insights into the unique characteristics, […]

Standing Firm in Our Commitment to Justice: A Message from Ktisis Capital

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đź“· credit: Luke Michael via Unsplash In moments that shake our collective foundation, we at Ktisis stand firmly with those working toward a more just and equitable world. This week, many in our communities are processing complex emotions, concerns, and questions about the path forward. We hear you, we see you, and we remain steadfast […]

Immigration Funding Through a Justice Lens: Recommendations for Philanthropy

Graffiti on a wall reading No One Is Illegal with a star symbol, promoting social justice and equality.

đź“· credit: Miko Guziuk via Unsplash The scope of immigration’s impact has consistently shaped the very fabric of American society. As of 2022, 14% of the U.S. population – approximately 46.2 million individuals – was born abroad (Migration Policy Institute, 2024). The demographic reality of immigration has transformed communities, local economies, and social structures across the […]