To advance equity in philanthropy, we must start by elevating the voices of those most impacted.
The Equitable Giving Project is the first research project to look to grant seekers, rather than funders, for insights about the state of equity in philanthropy.
Between October 2020 and April 2021, The Equity Lab partnered with The University of Delaware’s Center for Research in Education and Social Policy and Goodbets Group to administer a comprehensive survey to learn more about the experiences of those seeking funding from education-focused philanthropic organizations. Their responses provided a rich view into their lived experiences and a call to arms to funders interested in creating a more equitable playing field. Download the executive summary or read the full report to learn more about what we found and what funders can do to rethink grantmaking practices through an equity lens.
Key Facts
221 grant seekers responded to the survey.
The majority of respondents identified as members of underrepresented groups: Nearly 90% identified as people of color, more than two thirds identified as women, and nearly 20% identified as LGBTQ+.
72% of respondents had applied to three or more organizations in the past five years.
Key Findings
Respondents overwhelmingly believed that their personal identity played a significant role in funding decisions, with racial and ethnic identity most often named as the defining characteristics.
Leaders of color noted a perceived bias from funders against non-normative leadership styles and small, minority-run organizations.
Relationships with funders were named as crucial to funding success.
The process of applying for grants is time-consuming and often confusing, leading some to stop seeking such funding.
Here’s what the grant seekers
who were interviewed had to say.
Recommendations
Offer grant-seekers additional opportunities to showcase their work, such as speaker series, showcases, and networking circles.
Provide mentoring, coaching, and feedback to grant-seekers.
Create opportunities for grant-seekers and funders to build relationships outside of the grantmaking process.
Consider redesigning the funding process to further reduce barriers for leaders of color.
Learn more about the research.
Get involved.
This work is just getting started. Want to be a part of the movement toward more equitable philanthropy? Use the link below to fill out our contact form, or email info@theequitylab.org.