Moving Beyond Listening: Shifting Grantmaking Practices to Center Proximate Voices
📷 credit: Hannah Busing via Unsplash
Last week, we had the privilege of presenting at the Council of Michigan Foundations' Annual Conference. Our session, titled "Moving Beyond Listening: Shifting Grantmaking Practices to Center Proximate Voices” and designed and facilitated by Alison Upton López, Michael Pratt, and Ricky Benavidez, was a powerful exploration of how philanthropy can better serve communities by amplifying the voices of those closest to the work.
Why Centering Proximate Voices Matters
The core message of our session was clear: to create meaningful change, philanthropy must move beyond simply listening to actively centering the voices and experiences of proximate organizations and leaders. These are the individuals and groups who are deeply embedded in their communities, understand the nuances of local challenges, and are best positioned to drive sustainable solutions.
Expert Insights
We were fortunate to have a panel of experts share their experiences and insights:
eMily Alemán-McAlpine, Program Director, Wege Foundation
Vicky Stott, Senior Program Officer, Racial Equity and Community Engagement, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Kelsey Wabanimkee, Indigenous Educator and Community Wellness Consultant
Our panelists discussed their journeys in shifting decision-making processes, the challenges they've faced, and the successes they've achieved in centering proximate voices. They emphasized that this work isn't just about grantmaking – it's about transforming entire organizational cultures and practices. For example, one recommendation echoed across panelists was encouraging staff and board members to go out into communities and participate in organizations’ work beyond site visits.
Key Takeaways
Importance of Proximity: Understanding and valuing the perspectives of those closest to the issues is crucial for effective philanthropy.
Organizational Shift: Centering proximate voices requires changes across all organizational functions, not just in grantmaking.
Challenges and Successes: While the journey can be challenging, the impact of truly collaborative and community-centered philanthropy is profound.
Practical Steps: Attendees left with concrete ideas and commitments to implement in their own organizations.
Looking Ahead
The energy in the room was palpable as attendees engaged in small group discussions and individual reflection. Many shared commitments to try new approaches in the coming months, from revising grant application processes to creating more inclusive decision-making structures.
As one attendee noted, "This session wasn't just about theory – it gave us practical tools to start making changes right away."
We're excited to see how these commitments will shape the future of philanthropy in Michigan and beyond. By centering proximate voices, we can create a more equitable, effective, and transformative philanthropic sector.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this important work. Together, we can move beyond listening to truly amplify and empower the voices that matter most.