DOI
10.9707/1944-5660.1713
Key Points
Philanthropy’s current structure and practices perpetuate a relationship with nonprofits led by people of color that can keep foundations removed from the work and keep these nonprofits fighting to stay effective and sustainable. When equitable and responsive strategies to support grant partners are implemented, however, relationships and power begin to shift.
This article explores the complexities of philanthropy’s relationship with POC-led nonprofit and grassroots organizations as mediated by evaluation and reporting practices. By critically analyzing these practices and power dynamics within philanthropy, it aims to uncover the root causes of disparities and establish a basis for creating pathways toward greater equity and justice. The analysis is informed by research conducted with leaders of nonprofit and grassroots organizations (grant partners) and individuals working in a variety of private foundations (funders or funding partners).
Informed by this research, this article outlines four key strategies for redefining funders’ measurement and evaluation practices in ways that foster equity and inclusivity. These strategies are designed to complement each other, transforming traditional frameworks and motivating funders to embrace evaluation methodologies that genuinely appreciate and amplify the distinct perspectives and experiences of organizations led by people of color.
The strategies highlight the importance of adopting transformative funding approaches that prioritize equity, collaboration, and self-reflection within the philanthropic sector. And they underscore the reality that support for POC-led nonprofits to strengthen their evaluation infrastructure benefits both funders and their grant partners: Funders gain access to more accurate and relevant data, and organizations are equipped with tools for strategic decision-making and action — ultimately strengthening the nonprofit ecosystem.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Reed, M., Guillen-Woods, B. F., Murray, K. W., Brice, D., Barnes, A., & Mueller, L. (2024). The Weight of Power: Reframing Evaluation in Philanthropy to Amplify the Voices of Communities of Color. The Foundation Review, 16(2). https://doi.org/10.9707/1944-5660.1713
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