In November 2023, a significant publication was produced at the request of Echoing Green, a global organization that supports social entrepreneurs. This research was led by MPHI’s Center for Culturally Responsive Engagement (CCRE) team under the direction of MPHI’s Dr. Kantahyanee Murray.
This work is part of CCRE’s shifting power in philanthropy portfolio, a critical initiative to address power imbalances in philanthropy. Through research, evaluation, learning, promising practices, and leadership development, the team works to improve philanthropic funders’ understanding of the potential power imbalances they can create when working with communities.
The goal is not just to understand these imbalances but to shift that power back to the communities for improved results and effectiveness. This involves engaging with nonprofit and grassroots leaders to strengthen capacity around building equitable partnerships with funders.
A key aspect of this work is the promotion of culturally responsive and racially equitable evaluation practices. These practices ensure that the voices and experiences of all community members are heard and valued, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes.
For those interested in learning more about shifting power in philanthropy, additional resources are available at realizepower.org. This platform provides valuable insights and tools for those looking to make a difference in their communities and the broader philanthropic landscape.
The collaboration between Echoing Green and CCRE represents a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to create a more equitable and effective philanthropic sector. By addressing power imbalances and promoting culturally responsive practices, they are helping to ensure that philanthropy serves as a powerful tool for positive change.
You can read the report here: https://echoinggreen.org/the-weight-of-power/
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