What We Owe Each Other
Dear GSP Community,
When our people and our region are under attack, it’s imperative that we look out for each other. At Grantmakers for Southern Progress, we’ve been spending intentional time analyzing our organization and our role in the sector to try to understand how to fortify ourselves in this moment, remain responsive to our network, and support Southern social justice infrastructure for the long-term.
Social justice funders know that putting communities first, funding organizations for the long-haul, and building trusting relationships between funders and grantees is what makes progress possible. We no longer have the privilege of being risk averse. When it feels scary to speak up about our values and the people we want to protect, that is the most important time for us to get loud about precisely those values. We cannot afford to comply with expectations that threaten our livelihoods, our spirits, or our people. We must have courage.
Funders have a crucial role to play. The actions funders take today could sustain our communities well beyond this administration. Inaction could keep our region treading water for decades. We are no longer waiting to see if this administration will harm us, but when and to what extent. Funders can provide the cover we need to ensure that our communities are cared for and the social justice ecosystem we have been building transforms the nation into a place where people can thrive.
Wondering where to start? We’ve got some ideas:
- Move your money out the door. Commit to multi-year, unrestricted funding, and streamline processes so that you can move money quickly and grantees don’t get bogged down with paperwork.
- Acknowledge that the most important purpose of philanthropy is to change the material condition of people’s lives and fund organizations doing the work. While funders go back and forth about the most risk-free way to fund in times of great turmoil, people’s lives are on the line. Yes, we have obligations to our funder institutions. We also have obligations to one another, as human beings who deserve to live safely and freely.
- Build relationships with your grantees. Philanthropy requires deep listening and support. Funders are better at resourcing the work when we build trusting relationships with the folks on the frontlines and are responsive to their needs.
- Increase your grantmaking budget for at least the next four years. Take this opportunity to dream bigger around the work that falls under your mission. Organizations need increased support not only around their budgets, but around safety and security measures, legal services, strategic planning, and more.
- Prioritize and support convening so that grantees can organize, coordinate efforts, and build relationships with one another. We are stronger when we work together.
Bottom line: The legacy of the South is one where we imagine bolder, brighter futures and push the nation forward to meet our demands. We find ourselves in that same fight once again. We have what it takes. What will you do to make a difference today?