What's Happening?
The concept of 'narrative change' has gained traction in philanthropy, but the efforts of liberation movements risk being overshadowed by funder-driven frameworks. At the 2025 Narrative Power Summit in New Orleans, organizations like Elemental and Our
Collective Practice discussed the need to protect and build from existing groundwork. Despite increased discussions about the importance of narrative in social transformation, actual funding for narrative work has decreased. Prominent organizations such as The Opportunity Agenda and IllumiNative have announced closures, highlighting the unstable funding environment. The summit emphasized the need for funders to act as resource stewards and support narrative infrastructure rather than issue-based content.
Why It's Important?
The decline in funding for narrative strategies poses a significant threat to social movements that rely on these narratives to drive change. Without adequate support, these movements may struggle to sustain their efforts, impacting their ability to influence social, political, and economic transformation. The summit's discussions underscore the need for philanthropy to adapt its funding practices to better support narrative infrastructure, which is crucial for building trust and collaboration within movements. By prioritizing long-term investments and supporting narrative ecosystems, funders can help ensure the durability and effectiveness of these movements.
What's Next?
As foundations reconsider their strategies, there is an opportunity for them to adopt new funding practices that align with the needs of narrative power builders. Movement leaders are encouraged to advocate for changes in funding criteria and practices to better support narrative strategies. This includes funding generationally, supporting narrative ecosystems, and providing resources through failures. The summit's guidance offers a roadmap for foundations to become true partners in narrative change, fostering conditions that allow narrative ecosystems to flourish.
Beyond the Headlines
The shift in funding practices could lead to a broader movement advocating for changes in philanthropy. By focusing on narrative infrastructure, funders can help build a more just world, absorbing risks and buffering communities. The summit's discussions highlight the importance of solidarity practices and preventing philanthropic backsliding. As movement leaders continue to push for these changes, the narrative field may see a transformation in how it is resourced, potentially leading to more sustainable and impactful social movements.
