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Why was the Rooted Philanthropy toolkit developed?
Over the last ten years, there have been both deep questioning and innovation in philanthropic practice to advance more effective and equitable practice. From pandemic innovations to trust-based philanthropy to large unrestricted gifts by new entrants to the field like Mackenzie Scott, to challenges about the roots of philanthropy itself from innovators like Edgar Villanueva and Anand Giridharadas, philanthropy has been in a time of profound self-reflection and growth, and rapid shifts.
In today’s landscape of political uncertainty, large-scale dismantling of equity efforts and public investment in correcting inequities, and increasing demand from communities and intermediaries, philanthropy faces an inflection point.
How can the philanthropic sector meet the moment in a way that continues to advance health, well-being and justice? What practical, powerful strategies could funders across a wide range of readiness, size and political contexts employ? How might they deepen effective, equitable practice even–and especially–in this context?
Rooted Philanthropy was initiated by Well-being and Equity (WE) in the World at the request of a funding partner to answer these crucial questions, and develop practical, powerful tools for funders across a wide range of contexts seeking to become Better Ancestors.
How were the framework and tools developed?
Two considerations were at the core of our approach: grounding in the perspectives of communities experiencing inequities about approaches to fair grantmaking that had worked, and having communities, funders, and intermediaries identify and prioritize the practices funders could implement that would most shift the balance of power in grantmaking toward communities experiencing inequities.
Our process involved an extensive environmental scan, review of key existing frameworks, literature review, interviews with a range of funders, and a design process engaging communities, intermediaries, and funders.
We began with understanding the challenges funders are facing in advancing fair grantmaking today. We identified barriers, shifts, and opportunities for effective, fair grantmaking across 15 stages of the grantmaking process. We then developed a simple framework for transformative philanthropy for those seeking to create deep change as Better Ancestors.
Who developed the Rooted Philanthropy toolkit?
The Rooted Philanthropy framework and tools were created at the request of the Humana Foundation by Well-being and Equity (WE) in the World in collaboration with 15 national and regional funders, 45 communities and intermediaries.
The Rooted Philanthropy toolkit is an output of the Pathways to Rooted Philanthropy project.
