Development
About Development
This past year has been one of remarkable progress and resilience. We deepened our impact with young people, expanded our partnerships across schools, sports, and communities, and continued to position our work as a vital antidote to the growing influence of unhealthy manhood in our culture. Thousands of boys and young men engaged with our programs, equipping them with skills to embrace respect, equity, and care in their lives. We are grateful to our longstanding funders and have built alliances with new funders and partners who recognize the urgency of this work, and we have launched key initiatives that will shape our trajectory for years to come.
At the same time, we faced real headwinds in a shifting philanthropic and policy landscape. Corporate giving patterns are tightening, some of our longtime funders have reduced commitments, and public contracts have been delayed or cut altogether. This mirrors a broader climate where nonprofits advancing gender and racial justice are navigating increased scrutiny, competition for fewer dollars, and the need to do more with less.
Yet, these challenges have only sharpened our vision and resolve. We’ve adapted with creativity, leaned on our strong board and community of supporters, and continued to deliver excellence to those we serve. With momentum from the past year and clarity about the road ahead, we are well-positioned to meet this moment and continue inspiring change and shaping futures.
The wave of federal, state, and local government funding freezes in early 2025 has created challenges for nonprofits nationwide, affecting staffing, programs, and fundraising. Yet for A Call to Men, this moment highlights both the strength and urgency of our mission. As public dollars disappear and philanthropic resources grow more competitive, our proven approach to promoting healthy, respectful manhood is more essential than ever.
While one-third of nonprofits report funding disruptions, two-thirds expect rising demand for their services—and A Call to Men is already experiencing this surge. Communities across the country are seeking our training and resources to address violence, inequity, and division. With over 20 years of experience, trusted partnerships, and innovative programming, A Call to Men is not just weathering this uncertain climate; we’re meeting the moment. By building diverse, resilient funding streams and engaging new champions, we’re expanding our reach and ensuring that our message of healthy manhood and gender equity continues to create lasting change.
Conferences
Sex in the City: A Culture of Buying Sex conference: “Sex in the City: Discussing the Culture of Sex Buying”
Ted Bunch joined a panel in New York City, presented by New Yorkers for the Equality Model, and was taped live for the Exit Wound podcast. The conversation explored how cultural norms around buying sex intersect with equality, justice, and public health, and how the demand fuels the engines of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking. Bunch spoke about the attitudes he hears from young men, noting how male socialization and peer pressure often normalize sex buying. He explained the “Man Box,” a set of rigid rules that equates masculinity with dominance and objectification of women. He emphasized that breaking free from the man box is essential to creating healthier models of manhood and ending the normalization of sexual exploitation.

Big Tent Summit: Big Tent Summit – Keynote Interview
On May 30, A Call to Men’s Ted Bunch and Dr. José Campi-Portaluppi (Equimundo) opened the Big Tent Summit with a keynote conversation on the State of Masculinity. They shared insights from their organizations’ research projects, "State of Masculinity 2025" and "The State of American Men," highlighting how cultural expectations of manhood are shifting and what’s needed to ensure the future well-being of men and boys. The conversation emphasized the importance of personal growth, healthy relationships, and collective responsibility in shaping a more equitable culture. It set the tone for a day that brought together organizational leaders, coaches, therapists, facilitators, authors, and researchers to collaborate on advancing the evolution of men’s work and building spaces where men can truly thrive.

NY Times Center w/ Moms First Conference: The Future of Fatherhood
On June 5, 2025, Ted was featured in Moms First’s Future of Fatherhood Summit at The Times Center in New York City, co-hosted with Equimundo. The gathering explored what it means to be a man and a father in America today, and how men and women can work together to chart a healthier, more connected way forward.
As part of the panel, Ted shared insights from A Call to Men’s two decades of work engaging men in healthy masculinity and gender equity. He spoke about how our new State of Masculinity 2025 Initiative seeks to create a cultural shift inviting men and fathers to embrace care, empathy, and authenticity as core strengths, while challenging the rigid expectations of manhood that often keep us isolated.
The conversation highlighted the critical role fathers play not only within families, but in shaping workplaces, communities, and our collective future. It was a chance to celebrate fatherhood as a source of connection and healing, and to lift up men’s responsibility in advancing gender equality.



Celebrating Healthy Fatherhood
A Call to Men’s Virtual Father’s Day Event, “Celebrating Healthy Fatherhood,” was a heartfelt tribute to fathers, father figures, families, and the shared mission of promoting healthy manhood. The event highlighted the vital role fathers play in modeling respect, love, and positive behaviors for future generations, while honoring individuals actively using their influence to advance these values.
This year, A Call to Men recognized four outstanding individuals for their exemplary commitment to healthy fatherhood. Michael "Maka" Takahara received the Love and Hope Award for his inspiring example of manhood, fatherhood, and faith. Bryan Hilburn and Kalvin Bridgewater were presented with the Humanity and Service Award for their dedication to children, families, and communities. Dr. Jed Diamond was honored with the Leadership and Commitment Award in recognition of his ongoing commitment to family, community, and nurturing the next generation of manhood.


Men As Allies
Ted joined Lift Our Voices co-founders Gretchen Carlson, Julie Roginsky, and Michael Smerconish for a powerful conversation, Men as Allies: From Bystanders to Changemakers, The event emphasizes that men have the power to shift workplace culture and invites them to actively engage in driving change.

Women Moving Millions
This year, over 200 leading philanthropists, changemakers, and advocates will convene to reimagine a future that is equitable for all, examine the role of feminist philanthropy and investing in supporting systems change, and co-create solutions for collective impact.
Ted was featured alongside Cynthia Miller-Idriss, Professor, Founding Director & Chief Vision Officer, Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL), American University, to discuss how best to support and engage young men in promoting fairness, respect, and values.



Trainings
5
Events
5
Total participants
1,653
Male-identified participants
794

