The United States' Most Powerful Strategic Weapon? America's Philanthropic Elite Are Leaving Their Mark.
A staggering $1.6 trillion in assets is being held by 100 of America's largest foundations. While this capital has been instrumental in tackling some of the world's most pressing issues, it remains largely absent from the country's hard-power fight for survival – a stark contrast to the likes of Norway and China's centralized state funds.
Philanthropy has long been the architects of the impossible. Eradicating polio, sparking the Green Revolution, and saving billions of lives are just a few examples of their impact. However, as the world grapples with issues like climate change and national security, it's becoming increasingly clear that philanthropy is neglecting its most critical role – securing America's technological and industrial base.
A new report by Future Union reveals that these institutions are pouring billions into admirable causes while being nearly absent from the structural pillars of America's hard-power fight. Cybersecurity, supply chains, and defense technology are being overlooked and underfunded, leaving many to wonder if philanthropy is doing "bad" work – it's simply ignoring the condition precedent for all their good work.
In an era where liberal values are under threat from authoritarian suppression, America's industrial edge is corroding. The soaring aspirations of our age from a cleaner planet to a fairer digital world defy gravity only because they're braced by the steel of American industrial strength. However, if this edge erodes, the era ends.
The data shows a disturbing irony: while American foundations champion "justice" and "sustainability," many of their endowments are quietly invested in Chinese venture capital funds – effectively using tax-advantaged American dollars to subsidize the innovation ecosystem of its primary adversary.
It's time for philanthropy to expand its definition of "social good" to include national survival. Foundations should treat National Security Investing as a new asset class and allocate at least 1 percent of their annual payout exclusively to technologies that protect American sovereignty. Divesting from adversary technology is not just good strategy; it's a moral baseline.
The history of American philanthropy has been defined by leaders who saw the future and built it – like the Carnegies, Fords, and Gates. The next great chapter will be written by those who realize freedom is the ultimate noble cause. The arsenal is ready. The capital is available. All that's missing is the will to use it. It's time for philanthropy to step into the spotlight, not just as a benefactor of the past but as the guarantor of the future.
By leveraging their vast resources and influence, America's philanthropic elite can be the catalyst for a new era of strategic investing in national security, resilience, and innovation. The question is – will they answer the call?
A staggering $1.6 trillion in assets is being held by 100 of America's largest foundations. While this capital has been instrumental in tackling some of the world's most pressing issues, it remains largely absent from the country's hard-power fight for survival – a stark contrast to the likes of Norway and China's centralized state funds.
Philanthropy has long been the architects of the impossible. Eradicating polio, sparking the Green Revolution, and saving billions of lives are just a few examples of their impact. However, as the world grapples with issues like climate change and national security, it's becoming increasingly clear that philanthropy is neglecting its most critical role – securing America's technological and industrial base.
A new report by Future Union reveals that these institutions are pouring billions into admirable causes while being nearly absent from the structural pillars of America's hard-power fight. Cybersecurity, supply chains, and defense technology are being overlooked and underfunded, leaving many to wonder if philanthropy is doing "bad" work – it's simply ignoring the condition precedent for all their good work.
In an era where liberal values are under threat from authoritarian suppression, America's industrial edge is corroding. The soaring aspirations of our age from a cleaner planet to a fairer digital world defy gravity only because they're braced by the steel of American industrial strength. However, if this edge erodes, the era ends.
The data shows a disturbing irony: while American foundations champion "justice" and "sustainability," many of their endowments are quietly invested in Chinese venture capital funds – effectively using tax-advantaged American dollars to subsidize the innovation ecosystem of its primary adversary.
It's time for philanthropy to expand its definition of "social good" to include national survival. Foundations should treat National Security Investing as a new asset class and allocate at least 1 percent of their annual payout exclusively to technologies that protect American sovereignty. Divesting from adversary technology is not just good strategy; it's a moral baseline.
The history of American philanthropy has been defined by leaders who saw the future and built it – like the Carnegies, Fords, and Gates. The next great chapter will be written by those who realize freedom is the ultimate noble cause. The arsenal is ready. The capital is available. All that's missing is the will to use it. It's time for philanthropy to step into the spotlight, not just as a benefactor of the past but as the guarantor of the future.
By leveraging their vast resources and influence, America's philanthropic elite can be the catalyst for a new era of strategic investing in national security, resilience, and innovation. The question is – will they answer the call?
Interesting how these foundations are missing out on securing America's tech base while focusing on other issues... It's like they're not aware that their efforts can be undermined by the very problems they're trying to solve 
I mean, it's all good and noble stuff but at what cost? China is basically subsidizing their own tech with OUR money 
My grandma used to say "you can't help others if you don't take care of yourself" and I'm like totally feeling her on this one 
. Anyway, shouldn't they be focusing on making America great again instead of trying to fix climate change and stuff? 
Not saying that's not important, but I think national security should come first 
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It's like they think a few billion dollars can magically fix everything from climate change to cybersecurity issues 
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. America's innovation edge is being whittled down by China and other nations every day 
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. We need real leaders who'll put the country first, not just their own pocketbooks 
. It's astonishing to see them investing in Chinese venture capital funds while championing "justice" and "sustainability" 
. This lack of attention towards American industrial strength is having far-reaching consequences, making it increasingly challenging for the US to maintain its technological edge 
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. If they don't, we risk seeing the erosion of American influence and the emergence of new global powers 
. It's time for these institutions to step up and use their resources to safeguard America's sovereignty, resilience, and innovation 
.
It feels like we're trying to solve a national security problem with just some philanthropy and goodwill vibes 
. I'm not saying it can't work, but come on, folks - let's get real here! 
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. Seriously though, it's time for these philanthropic elites to put their money where their mouth is 
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. They need to expand their definition of "social good" to include national survival and start investing in technologies that protect American sovereignty 
It's like they think philanthropy is a zero-sum game where giving to one cause means taking away from another. Newsflash: it doesn't have to be that way 
, like, at least 1% of their payout goes towards protecting American sovereignty. We can't just be talking about social justice and sustainability without being willing to put our money where our mouth is 
, experiencing different cultures, meeting people from all walks of life... it's amazing how much of an impact a simple trip can have on someone. I went to Japan last year and was blown away by the food 
, and now I'm obsessed with trying new ramen recipes at home. Anyway, back to this article - it makes sense that philanthropy should be involved in national security, but have you guys ever noticed how many amazing startups come out of places like China? Like, what's up with that?