Participatory grantmaking (PGM) has become an increasingly popular approach in the funding sector. Fenomenal Funds took a unique approach to PGM, creating a unique opportunity for the private foundations and women’s funds to get to know each other, learn from each other, and figure out how to exercise equal power in a decision-making process.
The Advisory Committee, comprising five women’s funds, two foundation representatives, and a Prospera Secretariat member, designed and guided the Collaboration Lab. They focused on self-determination, creating phases for exploration (discover), co-creation (define), and finalization (refine). Their process included collective visioning and pair work, culminating in non-competitive grants. Every collaboration group that developed a plan aligned with the objectives received funding, promoting solidarity over competition.
The Collaboration Lab involved ongoing engagement among women’s funds, facilitators, the Advisory Committee, the Steering Committee, and Fenomenal Funds. Facilitators provided space and feedback, while women’s funds co-created their visions and plans, giving feedback at each phase. Fenomenal Funds supported with coordination and documentation. When women’s funds needed more time, the timeline extended from three weeks to three months. They allowed funds to join up to two groups and let under-threshold groups continue. Ultimately, the Advisory Committee recommended, and the Steering Committee agreed to fully fund all 13 collaboration groups.
Unlike typical grant applications, Fenomenal Funds developed and shared a guide for the collaboration plan and review process. This process emphasized support and connection rather than judgment and competition. The Advisory Committee posed reflective questions, offered suggestions, and raised concerns as areas for further consideration. Women’s funds had the autonomy to decide if, when, and how to use these inputs. They had the power to decide.