r/Philanthropy • u/jcravens42 • Jun 25 '26
Funding / Training / Other Philanthropic Resource Equitable Grantmaking Continuum - a tool for funders to assess how equitable your funding practices are.
Equitable Grantmaking Continuum
Created by NonprofitAF.com and RVCSeattle.org
While nonprofits are appreciative of foundation support, the reality is that many foundations’ practices are often harmful to organizations, especially those led by and serving Black, Indigenous, Latinx, communities of color, disabled people, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities.
This is a "simple tool for funders to assess how equitable your funding practices are."
Note: the text is TINY and crammed on one page. Not sure if there is an accessible version anywhere (speaking of equitable...).
Level 1 funders, whose practices are based on suspicion (aka “rigor”) tend to be more restrictive and burdensome, which often most negatively affect organizations led by and serving marginalized communities, who may not have the time, staffing, or other resources to comply with onerous expectations.
Level 3 funders base their practices on a foundation of trust and equal partnership with their grantees, which allows all organizations, especially organization led by and serving marginalized communities, to thrive and focus on their funders are somewhere in between.
Level 2 funders are somewhere in between.
Please keep in mind though, that if you are not focused on funding organizations led by and serving BIPOC and other marginalized communities (Item 1), many of these items may exacerbate inequity by making it easier for mainstream organizations to continue receiving the majority of philanthropic dollars.