Philanthropy has long been perceived as a benevolent force, channeling resources from the affluent to support those in need and address societal challenges. However, as conversations around equity, justice, and systemic oppression have evolved, so too has the understanding that traditional models of philanthropy often reinforce the very structures of inequality they aim to dismantle. Central to this critique is examining how philanthropy operates within and perpetuates capitalist and colonial frameworks.
Audre Lorde, the renowned Black feminist writer and activist, famously asserted that "the master's tools will never dismantle the master's house." This critique underscores the inherent limitations of attempting to achieve transformative justice using the same systems and methodologies that have historically upheld oppression. In the context of philanthropy, Lorde's words invite a critical examination of how wealth—often accumulated through exploitative capitalist practices—is redistributed in ways that may sustain existing power imbalances rather than subvert them.
Capitalism, as critiqued by Lorde and many other scholars and activists, is a system that prioritizes profit over people, leading to widespread social and economic disparities. Traditional philanthropic efforts, while seemingly altruistic, are frequently funded by wealth generated through this very system of exploitation. Consequently, these philanthropic models can absolve benefactors of systemic accountability while offering only superficial remedies to deep-rooted injustices. They often maintain a top-down approach where donors dictate terms and solutions without adequately engaging or empowering the communities they intend to help.
Decolonizing philanthropy is not just a critique of the past, but a powerful vision for a more just future. It involves reimagining and restructuring these practices to address and rectify historical and ongoing injustices perpetuated by colonialism and capitalism. This transformation requires philanthropy to move beyond merely alleviating symptoms of inequality and instead actively work toward dismantling the systemic causes of oppression, inspiring a shift in philanthropic practices towards decolonization, equity, and community empowerment.
Embracing decolonized philanthropic practices means acknowledging and confronting the uncomfortable truths about the origins and distribution of wealth. This demands a commitment to equity that transcends performative gestures, seeking instead to foster genuine partnerships with communities and support initiatives led by those directly impacted by injustice. This approach aligns with Lorde's insistence on using new tools—grounded in empathy, shared power, and collective action—to build more just and equitable societies.
A Brief History of Modern Philanthropy in the U.S.
The history of modern philanthropy in the United States is deeply intertwined with the rise of industrial capitalism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, before the era of the great industrialists and their foundations, the groundwork for organized philanthropy was laid by the emergence of charitable organizations and societies in the early 19th century. These entities played a crucial role in shaping the philanthropic landscape, reflecting the social, religious, and moral values of the time.
The Rise of Charitable Organizations and Societies
During the early 19th century, the United States underwent significant social and economic transformations. Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and frontier expansion brought about new social challenges, including poverty, disease, and illiteracy. In response, charitable organizations and societies began to form, particularly in urban centers like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. These societies were often spearheaded by religious groups, civic leaders, and social reformers who sought to address the pressing needs of their communities. The influence of religious groups in this context is significant, as it reflects the prevailing moral values of the time and the role of faith-based organizations in shaping early philanthropy.
One of the earliest and most influential of these organizations was the Society for the Prevention of Pauperism, founded in New York City in 1818. This society aimed to combat poverty by promoting self-sufficiency and moral improvement among the poor, reflecting the prevailing belief that poverty was often the result of individual moral failings. The Society's approach was typical of the time, combining charity with a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and moral reform.
Another significant organization was the Boston Female Asylum, established in 1800 by a group of women in Boston. The asylum was dedicated to providing care and education for orphaned and destitute girls, offering them shelter and an opportunity for a better future. The founders of the Boston Female Asylum believed that these young girls needed protection and guidance to avoid falling into poverty or vice, which reflected the moral and social concerns of the time. The asylum’s approach was grounded in Christian duty and the belief that women had a unique role in caring for the vulnerable.
The New York Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor (AICP), founded in 1843, represented a more organized and systematic approach to charity. The AICP sought to address the root causes of poverty by providing financial assistance and services such as job training, education, and healthcare. The organization was guided by the principle of 'scientific charity,’ a movement that emerged in the mid-19th century and emphasized efficiency, accountability, and the use of data to guide philanthropic efforts. This approach was reflective of the broader 'scientific charity' movement, which emphasized efficiency, accountability, and the use of data to guide philanthropic efforts. However, when it came to the treatment of the "defective class" as they were labeled (e.g., insane, feeble-minded, blind, crippled, maimed, deaf and dumb, epileptic, criminal types, prostitutes, drug addicts, and alcoholics), the movement's other goals based in the popular post civil war social scientific theories of eugenics and social Darwinism came to light. Many of these "defective classes" were moved from the streets and into insane asylums, where they were often experimented on by scientists of the time.
In addition to these urban charitable societies, the mid-19th century also saw the rise of benevolent organizations focused on specific causes, such as temperance, abolition, and women's rights. For example, the American Anti-Slavery Society, founded in 1833, mobilized resources to support the abolition of slavery and the promotion of racial equality. Similarly, the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), founded in 1874, sought to address the social problems associated with alcohol consumption, advocating for temperance to improve public morality and family life.
These charitable organizations and societies laid the foundation for what would later become the modern philanthropic sector. They introduced the idea that charity could be systematic, targeted, and aimed at addressing the underlying causes of social problems rather than merely alleviating their symptoms. However, these early efforts were also marked by a strong paternalistic approach, with charity often being conditional on the recipients' adherence to specific moral or religious standards. This paternalism reflected the broader social hierarchies of the time, where the wealthy and powerful felt a duty to "uplift" the less fortunate but often did so in ways that reinforced existing power dynamics. It's important to note that while these early philanthropic efforts were pioneering, they were also limited by their paternalistic approach, a crucial aspect modern philanthropy should seek to overcome.
The Transition to Modern Philanthropy
As the century progressed, the wealth generated by the country's burgeoning industrial economy gave rise to a new class of extremely wealthy individuals. Many of these industrialists, often referred to as "robber barons" for their aggressive and sometimes unethical business practices, began to engage in large-scale philanthropy, shaping the foundations of what we now recognize as modern philanthropy.
John D. Rockefeller, one of the wealthiest individuals in history, is often regarded as the father of modern philanthropy. As the founder of Standard Oil, Rockefeller amassed an immense fortune, and in his later years, he turned his attention to philanthropy. In 1913, he established the Rockefeller Foundation, which aimed to "promote the well-being of mankind throughout the world." The foundation focused on areas like public health, education, and scientific research, setting the standard for organized, strategic philanthropy.
Andrew Carnegie, a steel magnate, was another key figure in the development of modern philanthropy. Carnegie believed that the wealthy had a moral obligation to give back to society, a principle he outlined in his famous 1889 essay, "The Gospel of Wealth." He donated the majority of his fortune to various causes, including the establishment of public libraries, educational institutions, and scientific research. The Carnegie Corporation of New York, founded in 1911, continues his legacy today.
Henry Ford, the automotive pioneer, established the Ford Foundation in 1936 to promote human welfare. The foundation became one of the largest and most influential philanthropic organizations globally, focusing on a wide range of issues, including civil rights, education, and economic development.
Andrew Mellon, a financier and industrialist, also played a significant role in American philanthropy. Mellon served as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and used his wealth to support various cultural and educational initiatives. He was a key benefactor of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., donating both his art collection and the funds to build the museum.
These industrialists, alongside the earlier charitable societies, set the stage for the modern philanthropic landscape by establishing foundations that were intended to outlast their founders. Their approach was characterized by a strategic, long-term vision for societal improvement, focusing on systemic change rather than simply alleviating immediate needs. However, as with the charitable societies that preceded them, these philanthropic efforts were often shaped by the values and priorities of the donors, which could perpetuate existing social hierarchies and power imbalances.
This history underscores the complexity of philanthropy in the U.S., where efforts to do good have often been intertwined with the desire to maintain social order and control. As we consider the future of philanthropy, it's crucial to learn from this past and strive to create more equitable and inclusive giving models that truly empower the communities they aim to serve.
The Case for Decolonizing Philanthropy
While these early philanthropists made significant contributions, their approaches were often shaped by the same power dynamics underpinning their wealth. At its core, colonialism is about the control and exploitation of resources, including human resources, by a dominant power. Traditional philanthropy, often guided by the priorities and values of wealthy donors, can replicate this dynamic. When decisions about where and how to allocate resources are made by a small group of people, often far removed from the communities they are trying to serve, the impact can be harmful. This top-down approach can lead to a lack of understanding of local needs, cultural nuances, and the challenges faced by those on the ground.
Decolonizing philanthropy means shifting this paradigm. It requires recognizing that the communities most impacted by social, economic, and environmental challenges are best equipped to identify solutions. A fundamental shift in this process involves moving from the Golden Rule to the Platinum Rule.
The Golden Rule—"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"—is well-intentioned but assumes that your preferences or solutions are universally applicable. This approach can inadvertently perpetuate power imbalances by imposing the donor’s perspective on the recipients. The Platinum Rule—"Do unto others as they would have you do unto them"—requires a deeper level of empathy, understanding, and humility. It emphasizes the importance of listening to and respecting the unique needs, desires, and cultural contexts of those being served.
In philanthropy, the Platinum Rule translates into a model where decisions are not made based on what donors believe is best but rather on what the communities being served identify as their needs and priorities. This approach can only be successful if there is a genuine effort to engage with and understand the lived experiences of these communities, which further underscores the importance of community-led and participatory grantmaking.
Decolonizing philanthropy involves a fundamental rethinking of how power and resources are distributed in the philanthropic sector. It means shifting the focus from charity to solidarity, from a model of "helping" to one of mutual empowerment.
Decolonizing Philanthropy in Practice
Decolonizing philanthropy involves more than just a change in mindset; it requires tangible changes in practices and policies. Here are a few steps that organizations can take to move toward a decolonized approach:
1. Redistribute Power: Philanthropic organizations should strive to redistribute power by involving community leaders and grassroots organizations in decision-making processes. This can include establishing advisory boards made up of community members, supporting community-led initiatives, and providing unrestricted funding to allow communities to address their own priorities.
2. Challenge Traditional Metrics: Traditional philanthropy often relies on metrics and evaluation methods that prioritize quantitative outcomes over qualitative impact. Decolonizing philanthropy involves rethinking these metrics to prioritize lived experiences, cultural relevance, and long-term community well-being.
3. Invest in Capacity Building: Decolonizing philanthropy also means investing in the capacity of local organizations and leaders. This can look like providing funding for leadership development, organizational sustainability, and community infrastructure rather than just focusing on short-term projects.
4. Acknowledge and Address Historical Injustices: Many philanthropic organizations are rooted in wealth that was accumulated through exploitative practices, including colonization, slavery, and environmental degradation. Decolonizing philanthropy requires a reckoning with this history and a commitment to reparative justice. This might look like funding initiatives that address the long-term impacts of these injustices and supporting movements for systemic change.
5. Collective Impact: Traditional philanthropy often operates in silos, with individual organizations working independently on specific issues. While this can lead to positive outcomes, it often fails to address the complex, interconnected nature of social problems. Collective impact is an approach that brings together different organizations, sectors, and stakeholders to work toward a common goal. By working collaboratively, these groups can leverage their collective resources, knowledge, and influence to drive systemic change.
6. Collaborative Grantmaking: Closely related to collective impact, collaborative grantmaking involves multiple funders pooling their resources and aligning their strategies to support a shared vision. This approach not only increases the impact of philanthropic investments but also reduces the power imbalances that often exist between funders and grantees. In a collaborative grantmaking model, decisions are made collectively, often with input from the communities being served, ensuring that the funding aligns with their needs and priorities.
Examples of Organizations Leading the Way
Several organizations are already making significant strides in decolonizing philanthropy, particularly those led by queer and BIPOC communities. These organizations provide valuable models for how the philanthropic sector can evolve to become more equitable and just.
Borealis Philanthropy is a philanthropic intermediary that connects grassroots organizations with the resources they need to succeed. They manage several donor collaboratives focusing on supporting marginalized communities, including the Fund for Trans Generations, which provides critical resources to trans-led organizations and initiatives. Borealis Philanthropy operates with a deep commitment to equity and justice, ensuring funding decisions are guided by those with lived experience and community knowledge.
The Third Wave Fund supports youth-led, gender justice-focused initiatives across the United States. As a feminist activist fund, it centers the leadership of young women of color, queer, trans, and intersex youth. Third Wave Fund is committed to funding movements rather than moments, providing flexible, long-term funding to support systemic change. Their model of participatory grantmaking ensures that the communities most affected by injustice are the ones making decisions about how funds are allocated.
Solidaire Network is a community of donor organizers committed to moving resources to frontline communities, leading the fight for social justice. Solidaire practices trust-based philanthropy, providing unrestricted funding, building long-term relationships with grantees, and trusting communities to know how best to use the resources. They focus on supporting BIPOC-led organizations, including those working on racial justice, immigrant rights, and climate justice.
Funders for LGBTQ Issues works to mobilize philanthropic resources that will help advance equity, justice, and opportunity for LGBTQ people. For example, their Out in the South Initiative focuses on increasing funding for LGBTQ organizations in the southern United States, where support has historically been limited. The initiative is led by a steering committee of southern LGBTQ leaders, ensuring that decisions are driven by those most impacted.
The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) provides legal assistance to Native American tribes, organizations, and individuals nationwide who might otherwise go without adequate representation. NARF focuses on issues of sovereignty, treaty rights, and cultural preservation. Their work is rooted in the principles of self-determination and justice for Indigenous peoples, and they are supported by philanthropic funds committed to decolonizing their approach by prioritizing Indigenous leadership and decision-making.
The Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund is an example of a historically white-led organization making significant efforts to decolonize its philanthropic practices. The fund supports a range of initiatives, including conservation, education, and youth development, with a growing focus on equity and inclusion. The Maddox Fund has begun to shift its grantmaking strategy to prioritize community-led efforts, particularly those led by BIPOC and other marginalized communities. By actively seeking out and supporting grassroots organizations deeply embedded in their communities, the Maddox Fund is working to address the systemic barriers that have historically excluded these groups from accessing philanthropic resources.
The Maddox Fund’s approach includes engaging in conversations about race, equity, and justice within the organization and with its grantees, as well as providing flexible, unrestricted funding that allows organizations to address their most pressing needs. This shift reflects a broader trend among historically white-led philanthropic organizations to reassess their roles and responsibilities in the context of historical injustices and to move toward more equitable and just practices.
The Future of Philanthropy
The future of philanthropy lies in its ability to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of society. As we move forward, the philanthropic sector must embrace a decolonized approach that prioritizes equity, justice, and community empowerment. This shift will not only make philanthropy more effective but will also help to dismantle the systemic inequalities that have been perpetuated for far too long.
In a decolonized philanthropic future, we will see more organizations working in true partnership with the communities they serve, valuing local knowledge and expertise, and prioritizing long-term, sustainable impact over short-term gains. We will see a philanthropy that is not just about giving but about creating lasting change through collective action and shared power.
By embracing decolonization, philanthropy can become a powerful tool for social transformation, helping to build a world where resources are distributed more equitably and all communities can thrive. This is not just an aspirational vision—it's a necessary one if we are to create a more just and equitable world.
Final Thoughts from a Professional Fundraiser
Decolonizing philanthropy is not an easy task, but it is essential. It requires a willingness to challenge long-held beliefs, relinquish control, and trust in the wisdom and agency of those who have been historically marginalized. But by taking these steps, we can create a philanthropic sector that genuinely lives up to its potential as a force for good in the world—one that not only addresses the symptoms of inequality but works to dismantle the systems that perpetuate it. The future of philanthropy depends on our ability to embrace this transformative approach and commit to building a more equitable and just world for all.
Organizations like Borealis Philanthropy, Third Wave Fund, Solidaire Network, Funders for LGBTQ Issues, the Native American Rights Fund, and the Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund provide shining examples of this future. By supporting and learning from these leaders, the philanthropic sector can move closer to achieving the equity and justice it seeks to promote. Moving from the Golden to the Platinum Rule, embracing collective impact, and engaging the communities we seek to serve are all crucial steps on this journey. The time for decolonizing philanthropy is now, and the future of our world depends on it.
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