Participatory grantmaking is reshaping power dynamics within the philanthropic sector. Originating in the early 1970s, this approach involves recipients in decision-making processes regarding grantmaking and funding strategies. Despite its potential, there’s a scarcity of platforms dedicated to understanding and discussing feminist participatory grantmaking (PGM). This collaboration aims to bridge this gap by fostering shared learning and advocating for better resourcing of feminist PGM.
Collaborators：
There are two levels of participation in this collaboration – those who receive funding directly (core group), and those who participate in activities but do not receive any funding.
Core Collaborative:
Women First International Fund
Mongolian Women’s Fund (MONES)
Activities Participants:
Inspiration
Many of the women’s funds in this group are on their own journey toward participatory grantmaking. Some are recommitting to deepening practice, while others are about to try PGM for the first time. The group believes it is a critical time to open a space for dedicated learning, to be open about issues and challenges that come with PGM, explore what it means for women’s funds, and share and improve our tools and approaches. Deepening capacities will enable women’s funds to move forward in our PGM journey.
While there are few opportunities and spaces to dive deeper into unpacking feminist PGM, there is a great need and interest in exploring this topic further, including exploring how to make it even more democratic and intersectional; overcoming language barriers; making feminist knowledge, tools and space more accessible, especially for those who are on the margins of the feminist movement; balancing power dynamics within the movements that are politically at different points; sharing power with donors; and more.
Rather than create a one size fits all model, the group seeks to open up a space to explore the diversity of methods and techniques, tools and approaches, resources as well as knowledge from a feminist philanthropy perspective. The process will be structured to honor the different communities and stakeholders that are invested in the work of our movement partners.
The Process
The collaboration focuses on two key areas: shared learning and advocacy for better resourcing of feminist PGM. Through in-person and online meetings, participants exchange experiences and gather insights into the impact of participatory grantmaking. They also engage with other funders and collectives employing PGM to broaden their understanding and refine their approaches.
Additionally, the collaboration conducts audits of grantmaking systems in various contexts to develop a repository of best practices and resources. Advocacy efforts include stakeholder mapping, participation in funder spaces, and content development to promote feminist PGM.
Ways of Working
- Decision-making is consensus-based, overseen by a rotating Steering Committee comprising representatives from the core group.
- A Coordinator supports with project management, communications, planning and reporting.
- Women Win manages collaborative funds, while individual grants support direct activities.
- Bi-monthly online meetings facilitate ongoing communication, supplemented by periodic in-person gatherings.
What Does Success Look Like?
Success entails a shared understanding of feminist PGM across the collaboration and broader community of practice. Each participating fund strengthens its PGM practice through shared learning, while the collaborative creates resources to support ongoing efforts. Moreover, the collaboration aims to attract new resources for feminist PGM and position women’s funds as leaders in the field.
Between the lines
The collaboration stems from discussions initiated by Mama Cash and FemFund in September 2021, aiming to create a space for women’s funds engaged in or interested in PGM. Combining efforts with Prospera Network, this collaboration represents a diverse array of women’s funds committed to shifting power dynamics and democratizing grant-making decisions. The inclusive nature of the collaboration allows for a rich exchange of perspectives and insights, facilitating deep and meaningful learning.