Community-Centric Philanthropy

Family foundations are shifting from donor-centric to community-centric grantmaking, prioritizing community needs and grantee perspectives.

Themes

The Power of Community and Connection , Values-Driven Consumption

Timeframe

near-term

Subcategories

Corporate Strategy Social Change

Impact areas

Community Development Grantmaking Nonprofit Sector

Detailed Analysis

A significant shift is occurring in family philanthropy, moving away from donor-centric practices towards a more community-focused approach. This is evident in how foundations are making giving decisions, with a greater emphasis on community needs and grantee perspectives. The report highlights that "grantmakers’ general giving approach is increasingly guided by their philanthropy’s mission area (72%) and by response to community needs (42%) and the needs of grantseekers (43%)." This demonstrates a growing recognition of the importance of local knowledge and expertise in addressing social issues.

Context Signals

Decline in influence of historic funding patterns and founder/family wishes on giving decisions Increase in foundations soliciting feedback from grantees and communities Rise in principle-based grantmaking practices

Edge

Increased community involvement could lead to more collaborative and effective philanthropy. Foundations may begin incorporating community representatives into their governance structures. This shift could empower communities to drive their own development agendas.

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TRENDS

Keywords

community engagement donor strategies philanthropy innovation

Grantmakers’ general giving approach is increasingly guided by their philanthropy’s mission area (72%) and by response to community needs (42%) and the needs of grantseekers (43%).

Categories for this trend