"Towards Equitable Partnerships: Strategies for Philanthropic Organizations to Repair Relationships with Nonprofits"
Throughout my career, there have been three distinct instances where philanthropy, whether through shifts in grant-making or other actions, caused harm. The scars from these experiences serve as a constant reminder of the delicate dance between seeking support from philanthropy as partners and recognizing the inherent power dynamics at play that can devastate a nonprofit organization at any moment. As a nonprofit leader and advocate, I can say the path of repair is anything but straightforward, yet, we need to see change.
The toll these challenges take on nonprofit leaders like myself can be a lot to manage. The pressure to accomplish more with fewer resources, the unexpected changes that disrupt years of programming in one swoop, all contribute to the pervasive issue of nonprofit burnout that many of us grapple with daily.
I've grappled with the internal conflict between the desire to call out philanthropic organizations for their missteps and the sobering awareness of the potential consequences my actions could have on the lives of those my organization serves. Will a foundation feel insulted if I raise concerns and pass over organizations close to me? There is also the worry that calling in philanthropic organizations, calling them higher, or sharing the experiences of nonprofit leaders will just be ignored, and my limited capacity and faith in something better wasted.
It's a nuanced game of advocacy, where nonprofit leaders challenging the status quo must delicately balance an understanding of grantee-funder power dynamics. The fine line between pushing for change and ensuring the sustainability of my organization is a tightrope walk that demands constant attention.
Through the Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective, I will continue to advocate for collaborative transformation within the social sector, emphasizing specific ways the philanthropic field can repair relationships with nonprofits. In addition to the principles of Trust-Based Philanthropy I am advocating for in NJ with the Doing Good Better initiative, additional ways I believe philanthropy can repair relationships are:
Transparent Grantmaking Processes: Philanthropic organizations should strive for transparency in their grantmaking processes. Clearly communicating criteria and expectations are becoming more common, but being transparent with decision-making rationale, feedback, and changes in grantmaking cycles help build trust and minimize misunderstandings.
Flexible Funding Models: Adopting flexible funding models in addition to being open to multi-year grants and general operating support, allows philanthropic organizations to better align with the unique needs and strategies of nonprofits. This flexibility empowers organizations to address challenges effectively and promotes long-term sustainability.
Diversification of Decision-Making Bodies: Actively working to diversify decision-making bodies within philanthropic organizations ensures a broader range of perspectives. This inclusivity contributes to more informed and equitable funding decisions.
Active Listening and Engagement: Philanthropic organizations can repair relationships by actively listening to the concerns and experiences of nonprofit leaders. Engaging in open dialogue fosters mutual understanding and lays the groundwork for collaborative solutions.
Receiving Feedback and Implementation: Understanding the power dynamic that exists between funders and grantees, philanthropic organizations can actively create more opportunities for feedback through multiple channels including options that preserve anonymous feedback. This enables a deeper understanding of the diverse funding challenges faced by nonprofits, fostering empathy and informed decision-making.
By embracing transparency, flexibility, and inclusivity, philanthropy can contribute to a more equitable and supportive environment for all stakeholders involved.
Tyneisha K. Gibbs
Executive Director
Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective
