What's Happening?
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is addressing the challenges faced by grassroots organizations in securing funding through open call grants. These organizations, often led by refugees, invest
significant time and emotional energy into the application process, only to face rejection without feedback or support. The IRC emphasizes the need for funders to revisit promising proposals and build long-term relationships with applicants. This approach could foster trust and lead to more effective and sustainable solutions for communities in need.
Why It's Important?
The current system of open call grants often fails to support grassroots innovators effectively, particularly those working in refugee settlements. By not providing feedback or revisiting promising proposals, funders miss opportunities to build trust and support sustainable solutions. This has broader implications for the philanthropic sector, as it highlights the need for a shift towards relationship-based funding models. Such models prioritize human connection and lived experience, potentially leading to more impactful and lasting change in communities facing displacement and other challenges.
What's Next?
The IRC suggests that funders should consider revisiting past proposals and offering feedback to applicants. This could lead to the development of long-term partnerships and more grounded decision-making. Additionally, the IRC advocates for trust-based funding, which involves investing time in understanding community leaders and their challenges before providing financial support. This approach could transform the philanthropic landscape by centering trust and lived expertise, rather than relying solely on competitive grant processes.
Beyond the Headlines
The shift towards trust-based funding has ethical and cultural implications, as it challenges traditional power dynamics in philanthropy. By prioritizing relationships and lived experience, funders can empower grassroots leaders and communities to lead change. This approach also encourages funders to rethink competition and performance metrics, focusing instead on proximity and sustainability. Such changes could lead to a more inclusive and effective philanthropic sector, where those closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions.
