Before we get too far into 2018, I’d like to take this opportunity to remember some of the bright spots of 2017 related to philanthropy that advances equity and justice. 2017 was NCRP’s first full year of implementing its new strategic framework, enabling me to delve more deeply into health equity issues and the world of individual donors.

Here’s my chance to give a shout out to activities and organizations I learned about and wanted to blog about but couldn’t find the time:

Public Health Heroes: While I was familiar with highly impactful health access advocacy and organizing groups, the role of public health professionals specifically in advancing equity was eye-opening for me.

  • People such as Dr. Joia Crear-Perry founded the National Birth Equity Collaborative to combat the stark disparities in black maternal and infant mortality, and has developed collaborative campaigns in seven cities where mortality rates are the highest.

Speaking Truth to Power: A number of innovative strategies that challenge philanthropy to be more responsive and accountable to their constituents, and especially to those advancing justice and equity, are taking off.

  • Thanks to Linda Campbell of Building Movement Project for meeting with me to learn about how small, people of color-led organizations have banded together in Detroit to push foundations to invest more in their grassroots efforts. The Detroit People’s Platform and Allied Media Project released detailed recommendations, then organized several learning sessions for funders conducted by community leaders in neighborhood settings.

Read the full article about philanthropy in 2017 by Lisa Ranghelli at The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy.