Grant making as advocacy: The emergence of social justice philanthropy

This article examines the rise of "social justice philanthropy," where grantmaking actively supports progressive social reform. It analyzes foundations that back nonprofit social action, finding that smaller, younger, and public foundations are more likely to prioritize social justice in their programs. Foundations with international grantmaking, rights activities, or longer reform legacies also tend to adopt this discourse. The article clarifies which foundations legitimize social change nonprofits through their discourse, suggesting that public and smaller foundations are key advocates for liberal policy within the philanthropic community.