Does Social-Justice Philanthropy Have a Future?

Social Justice Philanthropy: The Latest Trend or a Lasting Lens for Grantmaking?discusses the challenges facing foundations that have special grant-making programs focusing on social justice. The report, based on a two-year study, says that confusion over the definition of social-justice philanthropy has reduced its impact. Some corporate and conservative grant makers are uncomfortable with its progressive associations, the report says, while other foundations that are not truly supporting social-justice work adopt the term to improve their image. Drawing on conversations with academics and people who work at social-change organizations, the report seeks to clarify social-justice philanthropy by defining it as support for nonprofit groups that work for structural change and enhanced opportunities for people who are disadvantaged politically, economically, and socially. Other concerns for foundations giving to the field, according to the report, include the lack of collaboration among grantees and grant makers, inadequate resources, and the difficulty of measuring the impact of social-justice work.

Publisher: National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, 2001 S Street N.W., Suite 620, Washington, D.C. 20009; (202) 387-9177; fax (202) 332-5804; info@ncrp.org; http://www.ncrp.org; 36 pages; $10 for members; $20 for nonmembers.