What Can Funders Learn From Atlantic’s Work in Polarized Societies?

There’s no shortage of conflict and division in today’s society. The political polarization in the United States. The protracted war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza igniting a wider regional conflict. The violence, economic hardship, and climate change—deepening historic divisions, fueling inequality, and displacing millions.

Philanthropy and community activism—with the active participation of those most affected by a conflict—can play a powerful role in supporting peace and constructing positive responses to the root elements that feed conflict and division.

To help funders working on polarized societies, we’ve curated a new collection of resources that share lessons and effective approaches from Atlantic’s and our grantees’ experiences in:

• Northern Ireland leading up to and several decades after the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement of 1998, which formerly ended decades of conflict known as the Troubles. Efforts focused on cementing peace by improving the lives of those most disadvantaged, sharing education, and helping build a more equitable society that protects rights and strengthens democracy.
• South Africa as it emerged from the apartheid and sustained efforts to build, strengthen, and advance democratic institutions and organizations that promote equity, opportunity, dignity, and democracy.
• Viet Nam, as it recovered from and rebuilt after the war, focused on improving public health through country-wide anti-smoking and helmet-use initiatives, modernizing the country’s public and primary health systems, and revitalizing libraries and universities.

Explore the collection>