Race and Place-based Philanthropy: To Advance Racial Equity and Justice, Funders Begin by Looking Inward

The authors emphasize that effective racial equity work in philanthropy must start with internal reflection and transformation. They discuss how funders can address pervasive white supremacy culture within their organizations, fund healing practices for staff and grantees, and redesign asset management strategies. Funders shared insights suggesting that internal healing and organizational transformation are foundational to achieving externally equitable practices. This report advocates for a deep, introspective approach, arguing that genuine systemic change requires philanthropies to first confront and dismantle internal biases and ingrained practices before they can effectively promote racial equity and justice in the communities they serve.