Funders are moving toward listening and participatory practices at different rates and from different starting points and perspectives. We also know that shifting power is not easy work and requires a strong internal commitment and continuous learning. It’s best to be clear on your organization’s motivations, capabilities, and goals. As you engage with this menu, consider your funding practices, operations, policies, and values — and then identify where change will best serve your foundation and the people and communities you seek to serve.
We recommend examining the menu’s resources and examples with a willingness to turn kernels of ideas into something right for you. No matter where you start or the path you travel through this menu, we suggest spending time on the reflection questions, perhaps engaging colleagues to help you and your organization better understand and prepare for what it means to listen to shift power.
Our Participatory Philanthropy Toolkit, included as a resource in the menu, has a Funder Readiness Assessment that can be adapted to different listening practices and help prepare you to make changes in your priorities and practices.
