Philanthropist Susan Sandler investing $200M in social justice organizations

Philanthropist Susan Sandler announced on Monday that she will invest $200 million in social justice organizations committed to fighting systemic racism and boosting turnout in underrepresented communities in battleground states.

Sandler announced the investments, which will be carried out through the newly formed Susan Sandler Fund, in a Medium post.

Among the progressive groups that have received grants from the organization are the Texas Organizing Project, New Virginia Majority and the New Florida Majority, Sandler wrote.   

“I have come to believe that the most effective way to transform societal priorities and public policies is to change the balance of power, not change the minds of those who hold power,” she wrote.

“When government is responsive to — and, frankly, fearful of — the people who most bear the brunt of inequality and injustice, then better priorities, practices and policies follow,” she added.

The New York Times, which obtained the post before its publication, noted that Sandler, the daughter of Herbert and Marion Sandler, is a trustee at her parents' charitable organization, the Sandler Foundation, which was established in 1991.

Susan Sander has a history of backing Democratic candidates, including former President Obama and Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), the Times added. 

Her new investments come several years after she was diagnosed with brain cancer — an experience she also touches on in her Medium post.

“In ways big and small, each of us can establish a legacy. I’m grateful that I’ve been given the time since my cancer diagnosis to establish mine. I urge each of you not to wait to work on establishing yours,” she wrote.

--This report was updated at 1:06 p.m.