Deepak Bhargava, an Indian American social activist, assumed the role of president at the JPB Foundation, a major grant-making organization in the United States. In his new capacity, Bhargava aims to leverage philanthropy to bolster the advancement of multiracial democracy and its associated institutions and practices. Expressing enthusiasm for his new position, Bhargava shared his excitement on LinkedIn, emphasizing the pivotal moment for the nation and the world.
With expertise in social justice movements, Bhargava co-founded Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice, dedicated to training and supporting early and mid-career social change workers, particularly individuals from marginalized backgrounds. He also serves as a lecturer at CUNY’s School of Labor and Urban Studies since 2019.
Prior to his role at CUNY, Bhargava led Community Change for 16 years, where he focused on enhancing the community organizing field and establishing coalitions that led to significant federal policy advancements on issues like poverty, healthcare, and immigration. He has played a pivotal role in mentoring leaders who have assumed key positions in progressive organizations and social justice campaigns.
Bhargava’s contributions extend to board memberships and co-authorship of influential publications such as “Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World” and “Immigration Matters: Movements, Visions, and Strategies for a Progressive Future.” His insights as a senior fellow at the Roosevelt Institute have also shaped discourse on democracy and migration.
In commemoration of Bhargava’s appointment, the foundation announced substantial funding to fortify democracy, earmarking nearly $500 million for 2024, including up to $100 million in new grants directed towards organizations advancing social and economic justice. Bhargava underscored the urgency of safeguarding democracy in the face of formidable challenges, emphasizing the need for broad alliances and concerted efforts to protect fundamental rights and foster representative institutions.
Asserting the imperative of addressing both immediate threats and underlying drivers of the democracy crisis, Bhargava reaffirmed his commitment to advancing a vision of democracy grounded in inclusivity, responsiveness, and resilience.
