Supporting Grassroots Organizations Through Philanthropic Intermediaries

Philanthropic Intermediaries—mission-driven organizations that support the social sector in a number of ways, including serving as a bridge between grantmakers/donors and community-based organizations—fill an important gap and provide valuable programs and services. During this learning session, panelists will describe their models for practicing philanthropy differently. They will discuss the importance of resourcing, partnering with, and supporting frontline organizations fighting for racial, economic, climate, and gender justice in our region. This session is for funders and organizations interested in learning more about collective, collaborative, and participatory grantmaking approaches and on-ramps to supporting the grassroots in a robust way. 

This session will:

• Introduce funders to models to address the root causes of injustice through supporting frontline grassroots organizations. 
• Provide funders with on-ramps to start, revise, or further their power sharing and participatory philanthropy practices.
• Highlight why intermediaries are a strong vector for this work.
• Acknowledge and discuss the barriers and challenges to these models and how to overcome them.

This session is being presented in partnership with the Social Justice Funders Network.

Speakers:

Panel:
Liza Behrendt, Associate Director, Resource Organizing Project
Jasmine Gomez, Co-Director, Resist
Karla Nicholson, Executive Director, Haymarket People's Fund
Natanja Craig Oquendo, Executive Director, Boston Women's Fund and Philanthropy Massachusetts Board Member

Moderator:
Gabriella Mora, Vice President of Programs + Strategy, Krupp Family Foundation and Social Justice Funders Network Steering Committee Member