We discussed how philanthropy can start to advance racial equity in the first two parts of this blog series: Developing a Shared Language and Introducing an Anti-Racist Intersectional Frame.

Now, here are three steps that lean funders can take to start doing racial equity work in real time:

1. Look internally

Before trying to deepen racial equity efforts, organizations should first look internally and ask: How do my organization’s policies, practice and culture reinforce or challenge white supremacy and racism?

2. Complete an internal audit to examine how funding decisions are made

Philanthropy’s biggest power is deciding what gets funded and what doesn’t. And this can quite literally determine what type of work happens.

Internally, foundations can look at who has the power to make funding decisions. Are they knowledgeable on racial equity? Do they have lived experiences related to the work being funded? Can they consult with those who have lived experiences about funding before those decisions are made?

3. Assess where your funding goes and who gets funded

Moving towards racial equity means shifting power. And often, the same types of organizations receive funding, while others struggle to secure the support they need.

It’s important to fund organizations that explicitly take an anti-racist approach to their work and projects. And are these organizations made up of people from the communities within which they work? Similarly, will funding this help or hurt advancing anti-racism and racial equity?

Read the full article about how to ensure racial equity in funding by Maya Pendleton and Juanita Gallion at Exponent Philanthropy.