As issues around diversity, equity, inclusion and cultural competency have risen to the forefront, many grantmakers are trying to make their processes more equitable, both in terms of dollars awarded and in who receives the money. But, from the perspective of grassroots organizations led by and serving communities of color, common foundation and nonprofit practices can feel disingenuous and even counterproductive to this goal. If grantmakers want marginalized communities to be engaged, they need to fund, trust and support them directly, believes Vu Le.
Isaiah Oliver, a grantmaker born and raised in Flint, Michigan, will talk about how the local funding community is responding to the current water crisis in Flint and the work still to come. He’ll share lessons learned from the frontlines and board room, where staff are changing the way they think about transparency in their work and their role in the region as they plan for the future. He’ll offer advice applicable to any grantmaker about key roles we can play in emergent, controversial or complex issues facing our communities.
After 18 years of pooled funding support for Baltimore neighborhood revitalization, the Baltimore Neighborhood Collaborative (BNC) concluded its operation and transitioned its work to partner organizations and an ongoing Neighborhood and Community Development Affinity Group within the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers.
This report by the Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities examines the potential of anchor institutions hold to create lasting and sustainable change—and illustrates how funders are working with anchor institutions to create healthier, more equitable, and economically vibrant places to live and work.
The Democracy Collaborative’s report Anchor Collaboratives: Building Bridges with Place-Based Partnerships and Anchor Institutions discusses the role of anchor institutions and collaboratives in leveraging the power of their economic assets to address social and economic disparities and to revitalize local communities.