Philanthropy: Giving that Sustains Social Change

Many human rights activists around the world derive core funding from progressive foundations -- which are also operating in a heightened conservative political climate. Faced with an increase in funding restrictions and regulations, these progressive funders are observing change, but not necessarily transformation; and progress, but not always inclusion. In order to ensure that fundraising dollars reach the types of activists who so electrified the Retreat, many funding leaders are shifting course.

Each of the five leading feminist funders on this panel have created new grantmaking strategies, formed new networks, and helped reframe the business of social change philanthropy as we know it. They are thinking broadly, building relationships with new allies, and moving resources to those living in the margins of society. In a dynamic session, each shared how she is supporting the work of women of color, trans people and lesbians by using a social justice feminism framework and movement-building strategies.

Katherine Acey, Astraea Foundation

Katherine Acey, Astraea's Executive Director noted the importance of naming these strategies: "We've always used the terms feminist, social justice, intersections and connections. Finding the language and being able to articulate these strategies more clearly, has been an evolution." The strategies, as recounted by the panelists, are working.

Monique Mehta, Third Wave Foundation

Monique Mehta, Executive Director of the Third Wave Foundation, referenced a grantmaking strategy which in one instance connected a group of unrelated activists around a core issue of reproductive rights. Immigrant rights and prison reform activists who had previously worked in isolation from one another, gained a unique opportunity to work across issues and communities.

Sara Gould, Ms. Foundation for Women

Sara Gould, President and CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women, cited a strategy connecting movements and issues. The New Women's Movement, a groundbreaking initiative begun by the Ford Foundation included Astraea, Third Wave, the Ms. Foundation and the Center for the Advancement of Women as founding members. Over the course of two years, this multi-racial/generational think tank convened 60 women leaders from U.S. national organizations. Together, they created new conversations, new alliances and new strategies to better connect the U.S. and global women's movements. The Ms. Foundation has embarked upon a strategic grantmaking initiative based on the outcomes of the New Women's Movement. Astraea is serving on the advisory board.

Ana Criquillion, International Network of Women's Funds and Central American Women's Foundation

Building and sustaining such critical connections between U.S. and international funders were recurring themes throughout the Retreat, particularly with the funders on this panel. The founding representative of the German foundation, filia.die frauenstiftung, highlighted its support for women outside Germany. And Ana Criquillion, chair of the International Network of Women's Funds and Executive Director of the Central American Women's Foundation, announced that the twenty women's funds that comprise the Network last year issued $15 million to grassroots organizations around the world. Most of the grants, she reported, fund highly charged issues: "In Africa or in India, or in Latin America...even to say that you are working towards the right to get an abortion, or for lesbian groups is a risk for your life."

As the only foundation in the world that funds LGBTI organizations operating both in the U.S. and internationally, Astraea acknowledged the high stakes for those activists and funders working on the front lines. "In order to create tangible and safe social change," urged Acey, "we must aggressively and strategically fund activists living in the margins and working at the intersections."