No matter what funding vehicle you choose, it is important to take time to review and assess the range of existing approaches and focus areas, depending on what you want to achieve with your giving. What follows is a quick snapshot of the ways giving is keeping pace with the creativity of the frontline leaders you seek to support. In this chapter we will consider the following models:

Trust-based philanthropy

  • Participatory grantmaking
  • Equitable evaluation
  • Prize philanthropy
  • Giving circles, crowdfunding and mutual aid
  • Impact investing

Managing the Power/ Equity Dynamic

It is important for you to be aware of the power dynamics that exist between yourself as donor and your grantees. Here are a few things to be aware of when managing this relationship, whichever giving model you choose.

Financial Resources

As most philanthropies lead with financial resources, they hold power. Embedding equity in an Operating Archetype involves sharing or ceding this power by engaging in flexible, unrestricted giving; easing applications processes; and including grantees and members of frontline communities in your decision-making.

Talent

To center internal and external equity, focus on hiring people with lived experiences who bring a diversity of perspectives and who are bridges to the communities you are serving.

Governance and Decision-making

Ensure that the board represents a diversity of perspectives, lived experiences and communities.

Communication

Actively using robust feedback loops and allowing grantees and communities to interact openly without your direct participation will encourage openness from your grantees. It is common knowledge that candor can be muted if a funder is present. Networks and Relationships Shifting power dynamics require you to be mindful about the networks you participate in and thereby avoid the echo chamber trap.

Risk

Philanthropies seeking to integrate equity should undertake intentional efforts to cede power by embracing risk and learning from failure.

Read the full PDF from Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.