Zuckerberg’s CZI Cuts Ties with FWD.us Advocacy Group

In 2013, during the presidency of Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg co-founded FWD.us, a nonprofit dedicated to pro-immigration advocacy and justice reform. The group aimed to promote paths to citizenship for talented and hardworking individuals regardless of their birthplace.

Zuckerberg expressed strong support for these initiatives, highlighting the importance of opportunities for immigrants. He described encounters with talented immigrant children raised in America as heartbreaking due to their lack of access to the same opportunities enjoyed by others.

FWD.us received substantial backing from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) in its early years. Over the period from 2013 onward, donations to the nonprofit totaled roughly $400 million, with CZI providing more than half of that amount.

Funding and Board Changes

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has ceased all funding to FWD.us in 2025, marking the first year without financial support from Zuckerberg's philanthropy arm. This ends a long-standing partnership that began with the group's founding.

In addition to the funding cut, Jordan Fox, CZI's chief of staff, resigned from the FWD.us board. No other CZI representative will take the position, leaving the slot vacant for the first time in the organization's history.

Official Statement from CZI

A spokesperson for CZI explained that the organization began shifting priorities nearly five years ago. The focus moved toward core areas in science, education, and supporting local communities.

As part of this transition, CZI committed foundational funding to enable FWD.us to continue its bipartisan efforts. That commitment has now been fulfilled, leading to the wind-down of social advocacy funding. The couple's Biohub initiative currently serves as their primary philanthropy effort.

Engagements with Trump Administration Figures

In late 2024, Mark Zuckerberg met with Stephen Miller, a key adviser to Donald Trump. During the discussion, Miller questioned Zuckerberg's ongoing ties to FWD.us.

This meeting occurred as Trump prepared for his second term, emphasizing strict immigration policies. Zuckerberg's interactions reflect broader adaptations by Big Tech leaders to the changing political landscape.

Meta's Policy Overhauls

In January 2025, prior to Trump's inauguration, Meta announced significant policy changes. The company ended its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Meta also discontinued the use of third-party fact-checkers, citing them as too politically biased. Policy updates permitted insulting language on topics related to immigration and LGBTQ+ issues.

Furthermore, Meta added Dana White, a supporter of Trump, to its board. These adjustments align with a regulatory environment that views certain group-advantaging policies as potentially unlawful.

Zuckerberg commented on the evolving landscape in a New York Times interview, noting that institutions must adjust accordingly. In a January investor call, he expressed optimism about the new administration's support for American technology and innovation.

Despite the loss of CZI support, FWD.us remains committed to its mission. The group advocates for immigrants facing current challenges and seeks improvements in immigration and criminal justice reform.

Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, acknowledged gratitude toward past and present donors. He highlighted an influx of new supporters in recent years, particularly this year, enabling continued operations.

This donor momentum positions FWD.us to sustain its bipartisan work for years to come. The organization's resilience underscores ongoing efforts in immigration advocacy amid shifting political dynamics.

In conclusion, the severance of ties between CZI and FWD.us illustrates evolving priorities in philanthropy and technology sectors. As Zuckerberg's initiatives pivot toward science and education, FWD.us adapts with fresh backing to address pressing societal issues.