Hate rarely exists in isolation. It feeds on disconnection, cynicism, and eroding trust in the relationships and institutions that hold communities together. That understanding is what led us to bridgebuilding, and it’s why we believe this work is among the most important investments we can make.
What Bridgebuilding Means in Practice
The social fabric of American life is fraying. Across the country, we are seeing weakened social ties, rising mistrust, and a growing sense that the person across the aisle – or across the street – is not just different but threatening. When people don't feel connected and lack agency, they become more susceptible to the narratives of division that fuel extremism. Bridgebuilding is an important strategy in breaking that cycle.
At its core, bridgebuilding is about:
-
Respecting differences through positive human connection— equipping people with the skills and mindset to listen effectively, engage in honest debate, and collaborate across backgrounds and viewpoints.
-
Collective problem solving and service — bringing people together to develop solutions to local problems –not just to talk, but to act.
-
Practicing and reinforcing these skills — these are not soft skills; they are the essential infrastructure of pluralism and democratic life.
Studies consistently show that enhancing active listening skills and participating in collaborative service can reduce polarization and prejudice, help people practice empathy, and create shared purpose. When individuals regularly engage across differences rather than retreat from it, something shifts and common ground emerges.
Where We Focus Our Investment
Our bridgebuilding investments fall into three interconnected areas:
-
Dialogue and communication skills training — We support programs that teach productive conversation and active listening to young people through Citizens and Scholars, the Hillel Campus Climate Initiative, Interfaith America, and the Constructive Dialogue Institute, and among community and faith leaders through organizations like Resetting the Table.
-
Network building — Trust has to be cultivated before a crisis arrives. We invest in organizations like Common Ground USA , One America Movement and grantees within the New Pluralists collaborative that strengthen community ties and build relationships across lines of difference to reduce toxic polarization.
-
Collaborative problem solving — Through groups like the Trust for Civic Life and Repair the World, we support efforts that turn bridgebuilding into action, creating opportunities to build deeper connections through shared service and active citizenship. Our Security Grants Program, in partnership with JFNA, extends this further by building the collaborative infrastructure communities need to protect themselves and support one another.
We will continue to invest in the people and organizations who collectively push back against the normalization of hate and help communities find common purpose.
This work is paramount to our mission and is a critical component of a healthy society.