Sign-On Letter Campaign

Sign-On Letter Campaign Plan

Goal:
Amplify the collective commitment of 25 organizations to address the harms of the Trump administration, positioning Funder Hui as a leader in mobilizing resources and action.

Original Letter Language: 

Dear Philanthropic Colleagues, 

The new administration has sparked a renewed sense of purpose and possibility at Funder Hui. In moments like these—when the path forward feels both scary and uncertain—we are reminded of the incredible strength that lies within our community. It is our shared commitment to care, connection, and collaboration that lights the way.

At Funder Hui, we believe that relationships are the foundation of meaningful change. As we move into this new chapter together, we are committed to creating spaces where challenging conversations can happen with compassion, where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and where trust and understanding are strengthened.

This is a time to lean in with hope and determination. Change can be daunting, but it also brings opportunities to grow, reflect, and build something better together. By coming together with open hearts and shared values, we can create a future that centers equity, compassion, and resilience—one that uplifts every person and every community.

The signatories of this letter stand proudly alongside our frontline partners and pledge to invest boldly in projects, people, and programs that are advancing equity, driving shared prosperity, and celebrating the rich diversity that makes Hawaiʻi so special. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protect and uplift our people, our rights, our environment, and the progress we’ve made together. We commit to deploying our resources with purpose, speaking up for what is right, and standing against injustice wherever it arises.

In the months ahead, we will continue to hold space for connection and action. From critical conversations to collaborative strategies, we are here to listen, learn, and build with you. Together, we will rise to meet this moment with courage, optimism, and aloha for one another.

Mahalo nui loa for being an essential part of this journey. It is through your partnership and support that we are able to move forward boldly and create a brighter future for Hawaiʻi.

With deep gratitude and aloha,
Ashley 

Key Audiences:

  1. Funders & Philanthropy Networks – To encourage resource alignment and collective giving.

  2. Policy Makers & Advocacy Groups – To influence decision-makers and build policy momentum.

  3. Media & Public – To raise awareness and rally broader support.

1. Campaign Narrative & Messaging

  • Core Message: “Hawaiʻi’s funders and organizations are taking a stand for justice. 25 organizations have pledged to work together to address the lasting harms of the Trump administration—join us in supporting this critical movement.”

  • Framing: We will 

    • Investing Boldly – Commit to funding projects, people, and programs that advance equity, shared prosperity, and diversity in Hawaiʻi.

    • Protecting Progress – Stand firm in defending the rights of communities, environmental protections, and previous social justice gains.

    • Deploying Resources with Purpose – Ensure that philanthropic investments are strategic, impactful, and aligned with the needs of frontline partners.

    • Speaking Up Against Injustice – Use their collective voice to advocate for equity and stand against oppression wherever it arises.

    • Holding Space for Connection & Action – Create opportunities for critical conversations, collaborative strategies, and trust-building among diverse stakeholders.

    • Leaning into Hope & Determination – Approach change with optimism, resilience, and a commitment to fostering a more just and compassionate future for Hawaiʻi.

2. Digital & Social Media Strategy

Website:

  • Create a landing page on the Funder Hui website featuring:

    • The letter text + list of signatories

    • A “Join Us” form for additional organizations or funders to sign on

    • Calls to action (donate, share, engage)

Social Media:

  • Hashtag: #FundersForJusticeHI #BeyondTrumpHarm

  • Twitter/X & LinkedIn:

    • Partner orgs post testimonials on why they signed, tagging Funder Hui.

    • Engage policymakers & advocacy leaders with direct mentions.

    • Use Twitter threads to break down the impact of Trump-era policies.

  • Instagram & Facebook:

    • Share signatory highlights with quotes and graphics.

    • Publish explainer carousel posts.

    • Post a video from Funder Hui leadership explaining the campaign.

Email Blast:

  • Announce the letter to Funder Hui’s list, emphasizing:

    • Why this matters

    • How funders can get involved

    • Invitation to an informational session (see below)

3. Press & Media Outreach

  • Press Release:

    • Announce the coalition and key commitments.

    • Send to local & national philanthropy, progressive, and issue-based media.

  • Op-Eds & Thought Leadership:

    • Publish op-eds from key funders in Civil Beat, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and national philanthropy outlets.

  • Media Pitching:

    • Target reporters covering social justice, philanthropy, and policy.

  • Podcasts & Panels:

    • Secure guest spots on philanthropy and advocacy podcasts.

4. Partner & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Webinar & Info Session (Within 2 Weeks):

    • Invite funders & advocacy groups to discuss the letter’s impact.

    • Feature key signatories as speakers.

  • Policy Advocacy:

    • Deliver the letter to elected officials with meetings scheduled for discussion.

    • Align with existing advocacy groups working on Trump-era policy reversals.

5. Timeline

Week 1:

  • Finalize & launch landing page

  • Social media rollout begins

  • Press release distributed

Week 2:

  • Webinar/info session for funders & partners

  • Op-eds & media pitching

Week 3-4:

  • Direct outreach to additional funders & policy leaders

  • Sustained social media engagement

6. Metrics for Success

  • Engagement: Social media reach, shares, and comments

  • Sign-ons: New organizations and funders joining

  • Media Coverage: Number of press hits & op-ed placements

  • Policy Impact: Meetings with legislators, policy commitments