Mark Zuckerberg’s Philanthropy Ends DEI Programs, Social Advocacy Efforts

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), the philanthropic organization founded by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, has officially terminated its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and ended its involvement in social advocacy efforts, including funding for immigration reform and racial equity programs.

This decision follows Meta’s own move to eliminate DEI-focused initiatives in January, reflecting a broader corporate shift away from divisive and politicized diversity programs.

CZI Refocuses on Science and Innovation, Moves Away From Activism

CZI’s Chief Operating Officer, Marc Malandro, stated in an internal memo that the organization reviewed its priorities and decided to shift away from social justice initiatives in favor of science philanthropy and medical research.

“We are winding down our social advocacy work to better align with our long-term mission,” Malandro said, emphasizing that CZI would now focus on initiatives with tangible scientific and technological impact rather than politically charged activism.

This move effectively cuts funding for numerous left-wing advocacy groups, as CZI had previously poured millions into progressive causes under the guise of philanthropy.

A Larger Trend: Corporate America Abandoning DEI

Zuckerberg’s decision comes amid a growing corporate backlash against DEI programs, with major companies such as Amazon, Ford, and McDonald’s also scaling back or eliminating similar initiatives. Many corporations are quietly moving away from race-based hiring policies and social justice-driven investments, particularly in response to legal challenges and shifting political dynamics.

With President Donald Trump back in the White House, corporations appear to be recognizing that the DEI era is coming to an end.

A Sign of Changing Times

The rollback of CZI’s DEI programs and political advocacy signals a major turning point for corporate philanthropy, with companies increasingly distancing themselves from the radical activism that defined the Biden years.

As more institutions follow Meta’s lead, the collapse of DEI initiatives in corporate America may be one of the defining cultural shifts of Trump’s second term.