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We are a network of funders learning together, incorporating a climate equity lens into current and additional grantmaking strategies, and taking action together.
Often times foundations and grantmakers can easily articulate resonant, relevant values, but just as often cannot easily identify those values within their financial due diligence practices. This session will open a conversation highlighting the choice points foundations have for building an approach to assessing a grantee’s financial sustainability that is increasingly values-aligned and can improve conversations between grantmakers and grantees and strengthen relationships
First, let’s get honest about the historical context we are operating in. Philanthropy exists as a result of capitalism and was formed through centuries of slavery, colonization, and displacement. The systems are designed to extract resources, privatize wealth, and centralize power and control of said resources. The systems are successfully doing exactly what they have been designed to do.
Communities across the country – especially those continuing to struggle with economic and health impacts from the pandemic – are hoping to access part of the billions of dollars in economic recovery dollars deployed to support economic recovery. However, it is groups disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, including rural, historically underserved, and BIPOC communities, that need to secure the funding that will have a generational impact on community climate resilience, public health, and other crucial systems.
Recently, Dwayne Marsh, CEO of Northern California Grantmakers, and I were reflecting on how many foundations in our memberships are looking to change direction and move toward racial equity. In an ice-bucket-style challenge, Dwayne posted his thoughts and then tagged me with the question, “How best does philanthropy choose courage in the face of the unprecedented complexity the moment offers?"
Grantmaker Memberships are organization-wide: your entire staff and board receive member privileges. Membership is for one calendar year. You may arrange to pay on a different fiscal year schedule.
To truly strengthen our democracy for the long-term, funders need to hear directly from young people and youth organizing staff and follow their lead to deeply invest in the ecosystem that builds political home and collective agency for us.