In telling our story, we call on philanthropy to safeguard the vital work of movement groups like 18MR. Now is the time to move with courage together.
CONTACT: INFO@18MILLIONRISING.ORG ATTN: 18MR Resource Team
This press guide is regularly updated. Last updated: 9/15/2025.
18 Million Rising is a former grantee of Wellspring Philanthropic Fund. In January 2025, 18MR was informed that the foundation would be dissolving its relationship with 18MR and canceling the final $250,000 payment of a multi-year grant. The reason cited was a community statement 18MR made in solidarity with Palestine. The financial loss amounts to a quarter of 18MR’s annual operating budget. 18MR’s experience reflects a growing trend in the sector, where progressive movement groups are under increased threat for their political work, especially when it comes to Palestinian solidarity.
9/15/2025 UPDATE AND CLOSING STATEMENT:
As we shared earlier this year, we lost $250,000 in promised grant funds from Wellspring due to our Palestinian advocacy. We went public with our story to amplify Asian American solidarity with Palestine. We’re grateful to confirm that 18MR has successfully recovered the $250,000 this summer through major gifts, grassroots fundraising, and some institutional support.
Our next steps are focused on movement infrastructure and basebuilding. We’ve identified two major strategies: (1) A movement-governed defense fund for AAPI organizations facing political censorship, and (2) Anti-militarism and Palestine actions.
Thank you again not only for standing with us during these past several months but more importantly for your continued call for a free Palestine and an end to this genocide. We are inspired by your solidarity and commitment to justice.
The following is a statement from Irma Shauf-Bajar, Executive Director of 18 Million Rising:
“It is deeply disheartening that the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund leadership chose to revoke our funding due to our solidarity with the Palestinian People, especially at a time when the world bears witness to genocide funded by U.S. tax dollars. This act of censorship betrays the principles of partnership and reflects the chilling realities of our current political climate. We are in a pivotal moment, facing the rise of fascism, and it is imperative that we organize and fight to preserve what remains of our democracy.
At 18 Million Rising, we stand unwavering in our principled commitment to solidarity with Palestine and all oppressed peoples of the world. As a leader, I carry the weight of responsibility for my team and accountability to the communities we serve. While fear is ever-present, my dedication to our peoples movement reminds me to release that fear and use that energy into action. We are called to act boldly, and we will answer that call.”
Media links:
“How a Single Instagram Post Cost One Nonprofit A Quarter of It Budget” (Chronicle of Philanthropy, April 2025)
“Palestine will free us all: A story of funder repression” (Community Centric Fundraising, May 2025)
“Not Your Model Grantee: When Asian American Advocacy Challenges Philanthropy” (National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, May 2025)
‘Funders silently defunding’: How US nonprofit lost a quarter of a million after pro-Palestine post – and rebuilt itself (Alliance Magazine, July 2025)
About 18 Million Rising: Founded in 2012, 18 Million Rising (18MR) is a national Asian American political organization. Harnessing the power of the internet, cultural work, and movement building, 18MR grows Asian American political power by educating, mobilizing, and organizing Asian Americans towards taking collective action online and on the ground. We work within movements for racial justice, abolition, and democracy towards a liberated future for Asian Americans and all marginalized peoples.
