P4HE resource spotlight: Power sharing in grantmaking

Individual Author(s) / Organizational Author
McCarley, Ayanna
Publisher
Partners for Advancing Health Equity
Date
September 2024
Publication
Partners for Advancing Health Equity Blog Series
Abstract / Description

Welcome to the P4HE Collaborative Resource Spotlight on Power Sharing in Grantmaking. Power Sharing in Grantmaking refers to the practice of distributing decision-making authority and control over resources among various stakeholders involved in the grantmaking process. This includes funders, grantees, and the communities they serve. It's a collaborative approach that aims to democratize philanthropy by ensuring that those affected by funding decisions have a voice in shaping them. This can lead to more equitable outcomes and foster a sense of ownership and mutual accountability among all parties involved. It's a shift from traditional top-down models of philanthropy towards a more participatory and inclusive model. 

In this blog post, we’re excited to share a curated list of resources designed to drive action for policy makers, private sector leaders, community members, academics, advocates, and philanthropists. Whether you’re ready to take the next step or implement new strategies, these tools are here to support your journey. Dive in and discover how these resources can help you achieve your goals. 
Resource List:  

  1. Power Sharing: Redefining Power Dynamics in Communities, Health Care Systems, and Philanthropic Practices 
    This webinar explores power sharing within community-based organizations, health care systems, and philanthropy, offering practical solutions for organizations aiming to democratize their grantmaking process.
  2. Deciding Together: Shifting Power and Resources through Participatory Grantmaking
    This report provides insights on how funders can engage in participatory grantmaking, empowering the communities they aim to serve by involving them in funding decisions. 
  3. When Less Is More: How Sharing Power Leads to Greater Impact 
    This blog emphasizes the importance of shifting power dynamics in philanthropy to systematically address inequities, fostering a sustainable and impactful realization of equity.
  4. Centering Power: The Leading Edge in Health Equity Philanthropy   
    This blog discusses the evolution of health funders and the need to address power imbalances and systems of oppression, advocating for a more authentic engagement with communities.
  5. Advancing Health Equity through Equitable Grantmaking 
    This breakout session from the Partners for Advancing Health Equity 2022 Summit discusses the five areas of focus needed to achieve better health for all through better philanthropy.
  6. Five Accelerators of Equitable Grantmaking and How to Harness Them
    This article examines the top accelerators of change in philanthropy, providing insights on how leaders can harness them to redefine foundation roles in line with power sharing principles.
  7. What Does It Mean to Make Grantmaking More Equitable 
    This blog post explores the concept and benefits of equitable grantmaking, emphasizing the creation of fair outcomes for all, especially marginalized groups, through a power sharing approach. 
  8. Increase Impact through Participatory Grant-Making
    This blog post discusses how participatory grant-making, a key aspect of power sharing, involves community members in the grant-giving process to address core community challenges. It discusses how community members help decide what core community challenges need to be solved and how grant money can help address those problems.
  9. From Strategic to Emergent Philanthropy: The Evolution of The California Endowment’s Building Healthy Communities Initiative 
    This blog focuses on the importance of community power and participatory democracy in addressing health inequity, particularly in marginalized communities affected by structural racism.
  10. Participatory Grantmaking: A Guide to Authentic Community Engagement 
    This guide offers insights into participatory grantmaking, emphasizing the importance of building a community board with care to ensure authentic engagement and strategic decision-making. 

Interested in learning more?  

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Artifact Type
Application
Reference Type
Blog
Resource List
Topic Area
Policy and Practice
Policy and Practice » Services & Programs