Donors and Foundations Are Increasingly Supporting Movements
In November’s issue of Responsive Philanthropy, National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy president and CEO Aaron Dorfman shares how donors and foundations have been moving huge sums to racial and social justice movements and community organizing.
While large foundations like Ford and Mellon have been upping their funding to movements, smaller foundations have also stepped up to meet the moment. Take the Kolibri Foundation, a new family foundation founded by Solidaire members, who recently made a commitment to fund the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) with $500,000 a year for 10 years.
Dorfman outlines 5 imperatives for giving as we head towards 2021:
Here are 5 of the most important things funders can do:
1. Increase grant spending. Many nonprofits are reeling from the economic impact of the pandemic. Additionally, the opportunities for winning significant policy change in 2021 are substantial. Increased spending is essential.
2. Make long-term commitments to social and racial justice work. We might well have some important wins in 2021, but long-term support for movements is needed if we want to truly build a better society.
3. Invest in organizations led by Black people, Indigenous people, other people of color and immigrants. For too long, philanthropy has underinvested in these organizations. This useful guide from ABFE and Bridgespan can help you get started.
4. Give general operating support. Organizations always need flexible dollars, and especially so in this chaotic time.
5. Invest in the South. If we don’t fund social change in the South, our nation won’t move forward.
“Donors and Foundations Are Increasingly Supporting Movements” by Aaron Dorfman, Responsive Philanthropy / November 10, 2020
Read the full article here.