How Funders Can Become Co-strategists

Last week, a few of my colleagues and I had the pleasure of attending Change Philanthropy’s Unity Summit, a biennial gathering that now brings together more than 1,000 Philanthrofolk—philanthropic equity activists and allies—from across the country. Change Philanthropy, in partnership with its coalition partners, is transforming philanthropy from within by building knowledge, fostering diversity, and creating connections through advocacy with an intersectional approach.

Throughout the convening, we also heard these dynamic leaders lament about the many ways philanthropy often undermines theses building and bridging moments. From setting theories of change disconnected from community-led priorities to forcing organizations to adopt ill-fitting, yet “evidence-based” approaches to receive funding, their stories highlighted the inherent power dynamics and other norms of philanthropy that continue to limit the equitable systems change we seek.

The common request from almost every social change agent on the stage was simple: don’t just fund our work, but join us co-strategists. As strategy consultants, we at FSG know the many forms co-strategists can take, so what more succinctly were these change leaders asking for?  In addition to providing multi-year, general operating supports to community-led organizations, below are three explicit opportunities we all have to serve as co-strategists:

• Seize small moments – The Fund for an Inclusive California shared how they now accept previously submitted proposals to other funders from prospective grantees.
• Build culture and narrative – A resounding theme from speakers was the importance of funding culture and narrative change in support of grassroots action and movements.
• Leverage intermediaries – From efficiency in grantmaking processes to pooled funds for “untested ideas,” there are many reasons for funders to partner with philanthropic intermediaries, yet leaders at the Summit spoke of a unique intermediary.

 Read the full article about funders are co-strategists by John Harper at FSG.