The Rise of Participatory Grantmaking | 03-14-23 | CSRWire

"Traditional philanthropy has a problem. The top-down, hierarchical power structure often undercuts efforts to make lasting change. In fact, the system itself can mirror the very conditions that created inequity and drove the need for charitable giving in the first place. One of the biggest critiques is the divide between funders and grantees. So often there is a gap between the people being served and the ones calling the shots about how funds are distributed. Folks in the sector have long been voicing their concerns about this imbalance—and while arguably overdue, many funders are now actively taking steps to shift their practices. One promising way forward is through participatory grantmaking. Participatory grantmaking reimagines the relationships and decision-making processes that shape programs and organizations. In this article, we cover the benefits of participatory grantmaking and current trends. Plus we lay out the challenges as well as step-by-step instructions to help you transition your organization to a more community-centered model...."