Foundations Ask Public for Messages of Hope in Major Newspaper Buy

A group of 39 foundations took out ads in newspapers across the country Sunday asking people to share stories of hope in their communities to counteract the “feelings of sorrow and discord” resulting from recent killings of both citizens and police officers.

Presidents of the largest grant makers, including the Gates, Ford, Hewlett, and Kresge foundations each signed the advertisements, which begin, in bold letters: “From our history, hope.”

The killings, which have trained a spotlight on the treatment of black men by police and elevated the relationship between law-enforcement officials and minorities to the highest levels of political debate in an election year have created a generation-defining moment, according to the foundation leaders.

“Today, our nation needs more bridges of dialogue and fewer barriers of division,” the ad reads. “America’s foundations are proud to help courageous leaders build those bridges, neighbor to neighbor, community by community.”

The leaders urged readers of The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and other metropolitan dailies to use the social-media hashtag #reasonsforhope to share stories about events in their communities that highlight “dignity, equality and justice.”

The ads also asked readers to visit foundation websites to learn about the work of nonprofit organizations and find volunteer opportunities.