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When I started at Hirsch Philanthropy Partners, I had a few impressions. First, I was sensing a desire for big change in Bay Area philanthropy that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I was engaging in conversations about race, power and decision making, which were the kinds of conversations I was having previously in the nonprofit space. I also discovered that several Bay Area grantmakers were already doing grantmaking differently, bringing diverse communities closer to the center of their work and challenging power dynamics. It felt like a ripe time for change.
Leveraging the unique perspectives, energy, and visions of young people can transform philanthropy into a more powerful force for change. Across California, funders are stepping out of their traditional roles to deconstruct the power dynamics that exist in philanthropy and utilize participatory approaches that bring together young people and funders to make decisions on grants. As we reimagine what grantmaking can be, learning directly from young people and those involved in the work is crucial in
being able to contribute to the landscape constructively. It informs funders what the vast needs of the ecosystem are and how their work can contribute.
We are a network of funders learning together, incorporating a climate equity lens into current and additional grantmaking strategies, and taking action together.
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CCJFG Steering Committee members are excited to share the following books and podcasts that have accompanied us as we settle into Spring 2021. The content ranges from writings on indigenous forms of justice and healing to a podcast tracing the connections between hip-hop and mass incarceration to a mixed media collection of responses to the question, what does it mean to be Black and alive? These stories are rigorous, compelling, and bring us closer to understanding the intersections of history, justice work, and future-making.
Since its founding, Akonadi Foundation has focused on supporting power building and organizing to advance racial justice in Oakland and around the state. In 2000, a year after Akonadi Foundation was launched, California voters approved Proposition 21, which targeted young people of color. Under Prop. 21, many 14-year-olds could be tried as adults rather than in juvenile court, and 16-year olds could be incarcerated in adult prisons. At Akonadi Foundation, we were inspired by the activism and efforts of youth advocates and youth-led groups against this racist ballot measure.
The tax code is one of the largest tools federal, state, and local governments can use to provide families with economic security and wealth-building opportunities. Yet the tax code systematically disadvantages women, people of color, immigrants, and low-income families. On behalf of Blue Shield of California Foundation, the Tax Equity Funders Network, Northern California Grantmakers, the Asset Funders Network, and the League of California Community Foundations, we invite you to the second, three-part virtual learning and discussion series for California funders on improving economic security, wealth- building opportunities, and equity for low-income Californians through the tax code.