What's Happening?
The 2025 Narrative Power Summit in New Orleans highlighted a significant shift in philanthropic funding strategies, particularly concerning narrative power building. Organizations such as Elemental, Our
Collective Practice, and the Constellations Culture Change Fund and Initiative convened to discuss the evolving landscape of institutional philanthropy. Despite increased discourse on the importance of narrative in driving social, political, and economic change, actual funding for narrative work has decreased. Prominent organizations like The Opportunity Agenda and IllumiNative have announced closures, reflecting a broader trend of reduced financial support. The summit emphasized the need for funders to act as resource stewards and support narrative infrastructure rather than focusing solely on issue-based content.
Why It's Important?
This shift in funding strategies has significant implications for social movements and their ability to effect change. Narrative power is crucial for advancing justice and transformation, yet the reduction in funding threatens the sustainability of these efforts. By prioritizing narrative infrastructure and ecosystems, funders can foster more meaningful connections and collaborations, essential for long-term impact. The summit's discussions underscore the need for philanthropy to adapt its practices to support narrative strategies effectively, ensuring that movements can continue to thrive despite financial challenges. The closure of key organizations highlights the urgency for a reevaluation of funding models to prevent further setbacks in narrative-driven change.
What's Next?
As foundations reconsider their strategies, there is potential for adopting new funding practices that align with the needs of narrative power builders. Movement leaders are encouraged to advocate for changes in funding criteria, emphasizing the importance of long-term investment and flexibility. The summit's insights provide a roadmap for funders to support narrative work more effectively, potentially leading to a broader movement to push for these changes. By embracing practices that strengthen narrative infrastructure, philanthropy can play a pivotal role in advancing a more just world, despite the current challenges.
