# Participatory Grantmaking in Philanthropy

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/books/participatory-grantmaking-in-philanthropy/
- Published: 2024-12-02T11:20:00+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**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**

> “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**_

[Buy from Amazon.co.uk](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1647125170?tag=219).