New Book Makes a Clear-Eyed Case for Participatory Grantmaking

A new book titled “Participatory Grantmaking in Philanthropy: How Democratizing Decision-Making Shifts Power to Communities,” is a significant contribution to the field. Co-edited by philanthropy consultant Cynthia Gibson and MacArthur Foundation Managing Director of Discovery, Exploration and Programs Chris Cardona, it includes trenchant analysis, case studies penned by leaders at participatory grantmaking practitioners like the Disability Rights Fund, the Haymarket People’s Fund and the New England Grassroots Environment Fund, and evidence-based approaches in areas ranging from climate justice to disability rights.

Funding leaders interested in more inclusive practices may read the book and replicate a practitioner’s approach — or pass on participatory grantmaking entirely.  What they can’t do is claim that they lack the insights to make an informed decision about whether to implement participatory practices that align with their risk tolerance levels.

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Source: Inside Philanthropy