Participatory Grantmaking in Philanthropy
Who gets to decide where grant money goes? This edited collection makes the evidence-based case that when foundations hand decision-making power to communities, and not just to professional staff, the results are more equitable, more effective, and more democratic. As such it is essential reading for any funder rethinking how they allocate resources.
Institutional foundations wield enormous influence, yet their decision-making can seem opaque and remote from the communities they serve. Participatory Grantmaking in Philanthropy draws together academics and practitioners to examine what happens when grantees and stakeholders are given a genuine role in making grant decisions. It generates a shift that challenges the top-down culture of much institutional philanthropy.
The book’s case studies span a wide range of contexts: disability rights funding, LGBTQ+ foundations navigating representation during COVID-19, grassroots environmental grantmaking, giving traditions in communities of colour, and global climate justice.
Alongside these practical examples, contributors address how participatory grantmaking relates to related trends including trust-based philanthropy, giving circles, crowdfunding, and conservative philanthropy. The result is one of the most comprehensive treatments of the subject yet published.
The case studies are predominantly American, yet for UK fundraisers and charity leaders, the parallels with community-led funding, participatory budgeting, and the growing conversation about funder accountability make this immediately relevant. Anyone working in or around grant-giving, community foundations, or the power dynamics of the funder-grantee relationship will find it a rich and challenging read.
About the editors
Cynthia M. Gibson is a consultant and adviser to leading US and international nonprofit and philanthropic organisations, with expertise in strategic planning, programme development, and evaluation. Chris Cardona worked on the philanthropy portfolio and BUILD team at the Ford Foundation from 2015 to 2023. Jasmine McGinnis Johnson is Associate Professor of Public Policy and Public Administration at George Washington University’s Trachtenberg School. David Suárez is Associate Professor at the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, University of Washington.
Reviews
“This is an immensely useful and inspiring resource for those seeking to make philanthropy more equitable and inclusive. The editors have curated wide-ranging contributions that show how participatory grantmaking can center the love of humankind and kindle the spark of human generosity that ought to lie at the heart of philanthropy.”
Beth Breeze, Director, Centre for Philanthropy, University of Kent
“This volume provides a compelling, evidence-based perspective on participatory grantmaking. It also poses thought-provoking questions about the future of participatory grantmaking. This is a must read for those interested in making philanthropy more democratic and community centred.”
Julia L. Carboni, Director, William D. Ruckelshaus Center
Buy on Bookshop.org Buy on Amazon“Includes trenchant analysis, case studies penned by leaders at participatory grantmaking practitioners like the Disability Rights Fund, the Haymarket People’s Fund, and the New England Grassroots Environment Fund.”
Inside Philanthropy
