Why change?
Image credit: Jonne Huotari
The Rooted Philanthropy framework offers an approach for funders seeking to change themselves to change the world. This page explores why change is needed and key shifts funders can make to advance fairness in grantmaking practice.
01.
Foundational Concepts
WHAT CREATES HEALTH AND WELL-BEING?
- Health and well-being develop over a lifetime.
- Root causes and structural inequities lead to unequal health and well-being outcomes.
- Root causes are related to place and result in some communities not having the vital conditions (social determinants) we all need to thrive.
HOW CAN FUNDERS LEAD?
- By owning what it means to be Better Ancestors in this moment.
- By being in relationship with communities to reimagine and invest in building health and well-being together.
- By shifting grantmaking practice to adopt a balanced set of strategies that address both real-time response and root causes and vital community conditions over time.
02.
7 Catalytic Shifts Funders Can Make as Better Ancestors
FROMCharity model
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TOLiberatory models that balance meeting needs for individuals in adversity with structural changes and policies to reduce adversity
FROMTransactional relationships
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TOTransformative, grounded relationships with communities experiencing inequities
FROMIndividual funders acting alone
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TOFunders and communities acting as a cooperative to co-design, invest in and learn from change efforts together
FROMGrantee fit to funder priorities
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TOAlignment and advancement of shared goals and strategies
FROMOne-year, restricted grants or those that are expense-reimbursable
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TOMulti-year, flexible support with upfront disbursement of funds over phases
FROMDue diligence and risk assessment as judgment
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TOShared risk-taking, mutual due diligence and a framework of collective investment
FROMReporting for compliance, with evaluation for judgment at the end
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TOMutual process for shared learning and reflection for improvement and accountability all along the process