Third Wave Fund

Resource Generation’s flyer for Making Money Making Change with a tree in the center and various hands grabbing fruits from it with the words, “There’s more than enough wealth for everyone.” around it.

💸 Making Money Making Change in Santa Fe, NM | Nov 13-16, 2025

Our Director of Development Maryse Mitchell-Brody will be attending Resource Generations’s conference this fall and will be a part of a plenary called "Lineage of Organizing Class Traitors" on Friday, Nov 14.

We hope to see you there!

Flyer for CHANGE Philanthropy Summit 2025 that says, “See you at the 2025 Unity Summit!

🌄 CHANGE Philanthropy Unity Summit in Minneapolis, MN | Oct 27-30, 2025

Our new Director of Programs, Bianca Alston, and our Co-Executive Director MARS. Beard will be present and open to connecting with folks at the summit!

Flyer created by Borealis Philanthropy about the Grantmakers in the Arts panel, Past, Present, Possibility: Investing in Trans and Queer Cultural Power, happening on October 20, 2025.

Catch Third Wave Fund this fall at one of these gatherings! 📢

🎨 Grantmakers in the Arts in St. Paul, MN | Oct 19-22, 2025

Featured Session: Past, Present, Possibility: Investing in Trans and Queer Cultural Power on Monday, Oct 20 that will include our very own Co-Executive Director Morgan Willis

Third Wave Fund - A Tangible Step Towards Reconciliation ‍

We move resources via multi-year grants & staff rent payments to Indigenous nations & land trusts—a tangible act of rematriation. This is how we collectively build power.

Join us. Read our statement: A Tangible Step Towards Reconciliation: www.thirdwavefund.org/blog/a-tangi...

Art by @shesanargonaut featuring red poppies that says, “Land back includes Palestine.”

Black background with white copy that says, “The state is the enemy of Indigenous peoples. It always has been. It is a structure of dominance, and it cannot be reformed. Our freedom lies not in appealing to the state for recognition or rights, but in building our own power outside of it. – Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg musician, writer, & academic” The TWF logo is in the bottom right, Leanne’s headshot is in the bottom left, and there are multicolor abstract shapes around the border of the graphic.

As Simpson teaches, “Resistance isn't a reaction. It's a way of life.” The same system that militarizes Black & Brown communities dispossesses Indigenous peoples from their land & targets Indigenous women, queer, & Two-Spirit people. Our resistance is interconnected.

Graphic from @sogoreatelandtrust that says, “No one is illegal on stolen land.”

Art from @justseeds that says, “Anti-colonial, anti-fascist resistance.” Depicted behind is a burning bottle and arrow.

“The state is the enemy of Indigenous peoples... Our freedom lies not in appealing to the state for recognition or rights, but in building our own power outside of it,” — Leanne Betasamosake Simpson.

True solidarity demands resourcing Indigenous freedom daily.

Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Carlton Bell II of New York City, NY - Bold Journey Magazine We recently had the chance to connect with Carlton Bell II and have shared our

Check out our very own Carlton V Bell II (“C.J”) in their interview with #BoldJourneyMagazine on discussing the critical work of the Sex Worker Giving Circle & building the ecosystems where Black queer Southern artists can thrive.

Animated video of a brown person with a gray sweater and green pants on with yellow boots stepping on a fence. They are holding a hammer and a small person on fire with a shirt that says “ICE.” Black text that reads “Fuck ICE” flashes to her right.

No matter your role or resource level, there is a place for you in this movement. It’s time to dig in, mobilize, and build the power we need for the long haul. Lock in with us 💪🏾💪🏿💪🏼.
thirdwavefund.org/donate

🎨: Anikazoë, lagrimasx on IG

Black background with a dark pink rectangle in the center and copy on it that reads, “To working class folks: Individuals and institutions with wealth should be taking notes from the courage and resourcefulness of your giving! You are a leader in critical strategies for resourcing resistance with the least access and ability. Continue spearheading DIY efforts to raise funds for our communities and movements. Make a one-time or sustaining monthly gift to address the urgency of this moment and to resource our movements for the long haul.” The TWF logo is in the bottom right, and there are multicolor abstract shapes around the border of the graphic.

To our working-class community: Your resourcefulness and solidarity are the bedrock of our resistance. Every dollar you can redirect-whether one-time or monthly–fuels our collective power. Please give what you can, and know your leadership is invaluable.

Black background with a dark pink rectangle in the center and copy on it that reads, “To folks with wealth: Match the tenacity of increasing attacks on our communities by increasing your dollars now. Third Wave Fund’s first Donor Organizing Officer, Nicole Myles once said: Write a check so big that your hands sweat. Commit to that level for multiple years. Leave contact information and be open to being asked for more.” The TWF logo is in the bottom right, and there are multicolor abstract shapes around the border of the graphic.

To individuals with wealth: This is the moment for courageous, sustained giving. We’re asking you to make a financial commitment that truly matches the urgency of the threats we face–one that challenges your comfort level for multiple years.

Black background with a dark pink rectangle in the center and copy on it that reads, “To foundations: Release your endowments now. Commit to increasing your giving beyond the 5% legal minimum for foundations. Commit to that for at least five years. Get your CEOs and boards aligned. We’ve passed the rainy day — the storm is here, and if you don’t move money to movements now, we won’t have movements to move it to in the future.” The TWF logo is in the bottom right, and there are multicolor abstract shapes around the border of the graphic.

To philanthropic institutions: The scale of the crisis demands a radical shift in your giving. It’s time to move beyond the standard 5% payout and release more of your endowment. The future of our movements depends on bold, unrestricted funding now.

Black background with white copy that says, “As a grassroots intermediary funding organization made up of Black, Latine, disabled, queer, non-binary, and trans folks, we are not only bearing witness to what’s happening in this moment, we are also deeply impacted by it. But let it be known that we will not succumb under the weight of authoritarian intimidation. We will not be moved to fear and silence. – MARS. Beard, Co-Executive Director, Third Wave Fund. ” The TWF logo is in the bottom right, MARS.’s head shot is in the bottom left, and there are multicolor abstract shapes around the border of the graphic.

Read this letter from Third Wave Fund’s Co-Executive Director, MARS. Beard, and lock in with us for the long haul. Whether you are a funder, individual with wealth, or a working class organizer – there is a critical role for you in this movement. A thread 🧵

www.thirdwavefund.org/blog/locked-...

Rest In Power, Assata Shakur.

Black background with white copy at the top that says, “Q: What are you excited about as a new staff member at Third Wave Fund?” Below is Bianca’s headshot next to a white text block with black text that reads, “Bianca: As a long time admirer of Third Wave Fund, I am thrilled to formally join the staff. I am most excited about getting to know the members of the team and how best to be of service to our grantee partners – especially in our current funding climate.”

Black background with white copy at the top that says, “Q: What are you excited about as a new staff member at Third Wave Fund?” Below is Kelly’s headshot next to a white text block with black text that reads, “Kelly: I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and put my movement knowledge and communications expertise to work while supporting Third Wave's incredible programs, grantee partners, fellows, and donors. Through my role, I’m hoping to grow our reach, so that Third Wave’s mission in resourcing grassroots gender justice movements can reach new and emerging groups.” The TWF logo is in the bottom right.

🎤 ✨ Bianca is excited to get to know the team & serve grantee partners. Kelly can't wait to roll up their sleeves & grow TWF's reach to resource grassroots movements.

Join us in giving them a warm welcome!

Black background with white copy at the top that says, “Q: What does gender justice look like to you?” Below is Bianca’s headshot next to a white text block with black text that reads, “Bianca: My vision for gender justice is rooted in this quote by Audre Lorde: "Tomorrow belongs to those of us who conceive of it as belonging to everyone, who lend the best of ourselves to it, and with joy." That is to say that all our movements for social change are all intrinsically linked and to achieve a liberated tomorrow, which is the ultimate goal, we must first truly know its possible, hone our individual and collective gifts, and prioritize approaches that seek to eliminate all forms of oppression.”

Black background with white copy at the top that says, “Q: What does gender justice look like to you?” Below is Kelly’s headshot next to a white text block with black text that reads, “Kelly: Gender justice, to me, requires dismantling interconnected systems of capitalism, white supremacy, and patriarchy. From resource redistribution, reproductive autonomy, defending our planet and its waterways, while also recognizing that these fights are global. At its core, building power from the ground up—like the work Third Wave Fund supports—looks like communities in control of their narratives, resources, and futures. It is inseparable from internationalism and anti-imperialism. It requires engaging with and bolstering the demands of queer, trans BIPOC people, who face the sharpest contradictions of racial capitalism.” The TWF logo is in the bottom right.

🎤✨ On gender justice, Bianca shares a vision linked to Audre Lorde: a liberated tomorrow where "we prioritize approaches that seek to eliminate all forms of oppression."
Kelly adds that it requires "dismantling systems of capitalism, white supremacy, and patriarchy."

Black background with white copy at the top surrounded by two yellow sparkle emojis that says, “Welcoming our new staff members.” Below are two circular headshots of our Director of Programs Bianca Alston (she/her) and Communications Officer Kelly Ortiz and below each photo lists their name, pronouns, and new role. The TWF logo is in the bottom right, and there are multicolor abstract shapes around the border of the graphic.

✨🌈 Big news! Please help us welcome two incredible new staff members to Third Wave Fund! We're thrilled to introduce Bianca Alston (she/her) as our Director of Programs and Kelly Ortiz (she/they) as our Communications Officer of Digital Engagement.

Artist is always looking for a new volunteers to help us out. Sex workers and strippers only please. Or people who used to work in industry please DM us if you’re interested.

Sex Worker Giving Circle at Third Wave Fund Participatory fund that resources sex worker-led organizing and community building.

What does SW pride mean to you? Let us know 👇🏾👇🏿👇🏼

Learn more about the SWGC at Third Wave Fund: www.thirdwavefund.org/sex-worker-g...

Happy Belated Sex Worker Pride Day! 🌹 Today we’re celebrating our brilliant SWGC 2025 Advisory Board! Our Advisors play a huge role in powering the Sex Worker Giving Circle! Here’s what SW pride means to them 🎥

We’re beyond proud to be guided by their brilliance & unapologetic power.

In the age of anti-intellectualism, we're committing to reading. We are committed to getting together with other Black feminists in our community and bonding over the love of knowledge and shared space.

How very Waiting to Exhale of us.

SWOPLA Sex Worker Support Group

Image of support group facilitator zara in a black mask, kufia and black tee shirt with the text "Blowjobs are real jobs." Overlaid text says: swer support group with zara. Virtual. tues september 16. 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm pst. email swopla.services@proton.me to register. a brief screening may be required.

Image of support group facilitator Tania in a black red and white striped tank top and a long braid. Overlaid text says: swer support group with tania. Virtual. tues september 23. 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm pst. email swopla.services@proton.me to register. a brief screening may be required.

We are excited to announce that we have 2 #SWer #supportgroups this month with new facilitators zara and Tania! Please email swopla.services@proton.me to register. swoplosangeles.org/calendar/ for more info.

Mobilize Power Fund at Third Wave Fund Rapid response fund that resources gender justice organizations met with unanticipated, time-sensitive threats or opportunities.

📩Questions? Email mpf@thirdwavefund.org

🌐Full details: thirdwavefund.org/mobilize-power-fund

Help spread the word! #MobilizePowerFund #ThirdWaveFund #grantsopportunities #grantfunding #philanthropy

The Mobilize Power Fund (MPF) supports:

• Time-sensitive organizing
• Emergency response
• Crisis interventions
• Unexpected movement moments

ICYMI–Important 2025 changes to our application process:

✨ We are prioritizing responses to unanticipated incidents from the last 6 months
✨ We are not funding budget shortfalls/pre-planned events
✨ We are moving to set deadlines (no rolling apps) for faster decisions

The FINAL #MobilizePowerFund deadline of the year is 10.7.25!

MPF provides rapid response funding for:
• Urgent direct action
• Community mobilizing
• Healing justice work

Open to youth-led/intergenerational groups across the U.S. (No 501c3 required!)
www.thirdwavefund.org/mobilize-pow...

Black background with white copy that says, “Our staff is getting some quiet time! We’ll be back to meetings and correspondences on September 2.” The TWF logo is in the bottom right, and there are multicolor abstract shapes around the border of the graphic.

Our team is taking a quiet week (8/25-8/28) to rest & recharge before the busy season. We'll pause communications and return 9/2 after our Friday + Labor Day break.

Thanks for your patience as we reflect & realign during this time.

🎥Black August Movie List 🎥

Daughters of the Dust
Battle of Algiers
What Happened Miss Simone
Attica
Black August
Let the Fire Burn

We've shared our recommendations. Now we want to hear yours!

Feel free to drop more suggestions in the comments below 👇🏽 #BlackAugust #PrisonAbolition #ThirdWaveFund

📚Black August Reading List cont. 📚
Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur
Blood in My Eye by George L. Jackson
Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts by Rebecca Hall
Are Prisons Obsolete? by Angela Davis
A Taste of Power by Elaine Brown
Fire This Time by Gerald Horne

This #BlackAugust we invite you to join us in study! 📚

Check out this list of books & movies we recommend you dive into this month.

B4: 📚Black August Reading List 📚
Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson by Tourmaline
Revolutionary Suicide by Huey P. Newton

Black Liberation and the Abolition of the Prison Industrial Complex: An Interview with Rachel Herzing Below is an excerpt from the inaugural issue of Propter Nos… Download the full first issue of PN at the following url: Propter Nos. Vol. 1 Issue 1 Download this interview in printable zine fo…

I think that is an important reason to reflect, as well as to study & honor the sacrifices Black revolutionaries have made over centuries & recommit ourselves to the struggle.”

Read Rachel Herzing’s full interview on Black Liberation & PIC abolition: trueleappress.wordpress.com/2016/08/30/b...