[et_pb_section][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb4_4″][et_pb_text]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/definityfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_8206-scaled-e1732222637912-270x300.jpg\")
Growing up,\u00a0I often remember my grandmother reaching into her pocket and handing me one peso to buy a treat. But before she handed it over, she would say, \u00ab\u00a0You can only use 80 cents of that. Ten cents you have\u00a0to save, and ten cents you have to give away.\u00a0\u00bb The concept of giving was ingrained in me from an early age\u2014an understanding that, no matter how little we have, there’s always room to share and help others.<\/p>\n
Philanthropy has long been a cornerstone of societal progress, much like my grandmother\u2019s lesson. Its roots stretch back to ancient civilizations, where religious devotion drove the call to help those in need. Alms were given, hospitals were built, and orphanages were established. Over time, philanthropy evolved. Today, we give more, reach further, and use cutting-edge tools to enhance our impact. Yet, despite its evolution, the fundamental purpose and goal of philanthropy remains the same: to meet humanity\u2019s needs and help others reach their potential.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/definityfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/hand-drawn-curly-divider-line-icon-vector-illustration-design-element-swish-swash-swoosh--300x38.jpg\"){kind=icon}
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/definityfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2-300x300.png\")
<\/p>\n
When I think about the role of philanthropy throughout history, I\u2019m struck by how central it has been to society\u2019s progress. But lately, I\u2019ve found myself asking, is that enough? Is helping people meet their immediate needs all we\u2019re called to do? I don\u2019t think it is\u2014not anymore.<\/p>\n
We are living through an unprecedented convergence of crises\u2014what some call a \u00ab\u00a0poly-crisis\u00a0\u00bb\u2014with overlapping challenges that threaten the well-being of communities. From the lasting impact of COVID-19 and worsening climate disasters, to growing economic inequality, political instability, and the housing crisis, these challenges require us to rethink philanthropy. Additionally, we must address the legacy of colonialism, support genuine reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and continue advancing racial and social justice.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no question that philanthropy has achieved great things in addressing some of these challenges. Still, as we reflect on where we\u2019ve come from, we must acknowledge a deeper truth: if philanthropy is to meet society\u2019s needs, it must go much further. This is where justice comes in. Justice, for me, isn\u2019t simply about offering help \u2014it\u2019s about recognizing the deeper, systemic causes of the challenges that communities experience. This reality leads us to a critical question: are we truly doing enough to tackle the underlying causes of inequality? Philanthropy, after all, is an expression of power. The act of giving is often tied to the priorities of wealthy individuals or organizations. When those priorities align with society\u2019s needs, the results can be transformative. But what happens when they don’t?<\/p>\n
I am reminded of a comic strip from The Wizard of Id: \u201cWhoever has the gold makes the rules.\u201d This reminder captures the uncomfortable truth that those who control wealth often dictate the terms of progress. In that reality, the question remains: can philanthropy truly be a force for justice, or will it continue to reinforce the structures of power and inequality it seeks to change?<\/p>\n
The audacity of justice lies in its boldness. It\u2019s not just about meeting immediate needs\u2014it\u2019s about transforming the systems that create those needs in the first place. Justice demands more than incremental change. It calls for a redistribution of power, resources, and opportunity. It pushes boundaries, challenges the status quo, and dares to confront deeply embedded inequities head-on.<\/p>\n Philanthropy must work to remove the barriers that prevent people from thriving. The audacity of justice is the courage to reimagine a future where fairness isn\u2019t the exception but the norm\u2014a future where all communities have the power and resources they need to shape their own destinies.<\/p>\n Philanthropy\u2019s potential is vast, but without ongoing reflection and a commitment to addressing the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequity, we risk continuing to operate in ways that maintain the status quo. Recognizing the origins of philanthropic wealth often reveals histories of inequality, exploitation, or privilege that helped build those fortunes. It\u2019s a challenging path, but one worth pursuing. After all, philanthropy should not just be about giving \u2014it should be about justice. Achieving justice requires us all to rethink who we give to and how we fund, partner, and learn.<\/p>\n Philanthropy stands at a crossroads. We have a chance to move beyond traditional practices and embrace approaches that are truly transformative. What if our actions were not just about delivering funds but about reshaping the systems that create and sustain inequity? This means rethinking not only what and who<\/em> we fund but how<\/em> we approach funding: pooling resources in ways that strengthen community-led initiatives, prioritizing flexible, long-term support, and embedding accountability to the communities we serve.<\/p>\n Real impact could mean stepping back and creating space for communities to define their own success, shifting from \u2018granting\u2019 to genuinely distributing resources, expertise, and even decision-making power on how funds are flowing. This means moving beyond traditional philanthropy to a more relational, integrated, and holistic approach. By engaging as true partners and sharing our suite of tools and assets \u2014such as our ability to convene, gather and distribute knowledge, inform policy, make connections, support capacity, and leverage investment capital\u2014we can create a\u00a0meaningful impact. By moving together in this direction, we\u2019re laying the groundwork for a philanthropy that enables lasting, systemic change.<\/p>\n I am inspired by and grateful to those philanthropic organizations who have been committed to this path \u2013 leading the way with a just and equitable approach to philanthropy. Your work sets an example for all of us and your action shows what\u2019s possible. \u00a0I believe that now, more than ever, philanthropy must be bold enough to follow their example. Collectively, we need to focus on transforming philanthropy and the systems that perpetuate inequality to make them equitable and just. The moment we\u2019re in demands that kind of audacity\u2014the audacity to reimagine, to challenge, and to change.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll be the first to say that this journey is still a work in progress. Like many, we are still learning and building the muscles needed to take a truly justice-centred approach to philanthropy. Along the way, I\u2019ve encountered real structural barriers that can\u2019t be ignored, and addressing them takes time, persistence, and partnership. But I\u2019m committed to this path, even if it means embracing some uncertainty and leaning into the hard work that comes with it.<\/p>\n Ultimately, this is about reshaping philanthropy to reflect our shared values of justice and equity, one step at a time. I still hold dear the value of charity I received from my grandmother, and this is important but we must not forget to address the underlying causes that perpetuate inequalities. Martin Luther King Jr. put it best when he said, \u201cPhilanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary.\u201d \u00a0I invite us all to join in this journey \u2014 to challenge the status quo, to learn from each other, and to hold ourselves accountable as we work toward a more just and equitable future for all.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"\"](\"https:\/\/definityfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wizard-of-ID.png\" "\\"www.johnhartstudios.com\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/definityfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-300x300.png\")
<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>Growing up,\u00a0I often remember my grandmother reaching into her pocket and handing me one peso to buy a treat. But before she handed it over, she would say, \u00ab\u00a0You can only use 80 cents of that. Ten cents you have\u00a0to save, and ten cents you have to give away.\u00a0\u00bb The concept of giving was ingrained […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Growing up,\u00a0I often remember my grandmother reaching into her pocket and handing me one peso to buy a treat. But before she handed it over, she would say, \"You can only use 80 cents of that. Ten cents you have\u00a0to save, and ten cents you have to give away.\" The concept of giving was ingrained in me from an early age\u2014an understanding that, no matter how little we have, there's always room to share and help others.\n\nPhilanthropy has long been a cornerstone of societal progress, much like my grandmother\u2019s lesson. Its roots stretch back to ancient civilizations, where religious devotion drove the call to help those in need. Alms were given, hospitals were built, and orphanages were established. Over time, philanthropy evolved. Today, we give more, reach further, and use cutting-edge tools to enhance our impact. Yet, despite its evolution, the fundamental purpose and goal of philanthropy remains the same: to meet humanity\u2019s needs and help others reach their potential.\n<\/p>\nWhen I think about the role of philanthropy throughout history, I\u2019m struck by how central it has been to society\u2019s progress. But lately, I\u2019ve found myself asking, is that enough? Is helping people meet their immediate needs all we\u2019re called to do? I don\u2019t think it is\u2014not anymore.\n\nWe are living through an unprecedented convergence of crises\u2014what some call a \"poly-crisis\"\u2014with overlapping challenges that threaten the well-being of communities. From the lasting impact of COVID-19 and worsening climate disasters, to growing economic inequality, political instability, and the housing crisis, these challenges require us to rethink philanthropy. Additionally, we must address the legacy of colonialism, support genuine reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and continue advancing racial and social justice.\n\nThere\u2019s no question that philanthropy has achieved great things in addressing some of these challenges. Still, as we reflect on where we\u2019ve come from, we must acknowledge a deeper truth: if philanthropy is to meet society\u2019s needs, it must go much further. This is where justice comes in. Justice, for me, isn\u2019t simply about offering help \u2014it\u2019s about recognizing the deeper, systemic causes of the challenges that communities experience. This reality leads us to a critical question: are we truly doing enough to tackle the underlying causes of inequality? Philanthropy, after all, is an expression of power. The act of giving is often tied to the priorities of wealthy individuals or organizations. When those priorities align with society\u2019s needs, the results can be transformative. But what happens when they don't?\n\nI am reminded of a comic strip from The Wizard of Id: \u201cWhoever has the gold makes the rules.\u201d This reminder captures the uncomfortable truth that those who control wealth often dictate the terms of progress. In that reality, the question remains: can philanthropy truly be a force for justice, or will it continue to reinforce the structures of power and inequality it seeks to change?\n\n<\/a>\n\nThe audacity of justice lies in its boldness. It\u2019s not just about meeting immediate needs\u2014it\u2019s about transforming the systems that create those needs in the first place. Justice demands more than incremental change. It calls for a redistribution of power, resources, and opportunity. It pushes boundaries, challenges the status quo, and dares to confront deeply embedded inequities head-on.\n\nPhilanthropy must work to remove the barriers that prevent people from thriving. The audacity of justice is the courage to reimagine a future where fairness isn\u2019t the exception but the norm\u2014a future where all communities have the power and resources they need to shape their own destinies.\n\nPhilanthropy\u2019s potential is vast, but without ongoing reflection and a commitment to addressing the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequity, we risk continuing to operate in ways that maintain the status quo. Recognizing the origins of philanthropic wealth often reveals histories of inequality, exploitation, or privilege that helped build those fortunes. It\u2019s a challenging path, but one worth pursuing. After all, philanthropy should not just be about giving \u2014it should be about justice. Achieving justice requires us all to rethink who we give to and how we fund, partner, and learn.\n\nPhilanthropy stands at a crossroads. We have a chance to move beyond traditional practices and embrace approaches that are truly transformative. What if our actions were not just about delivering funds but about reshaping the systems that create and sustain inequity? This means rethinking not only what and who<\/em> we fund but how<\/em> we approach funding: pooling resources in ways that strengthen community-led initiatives, prioritizing flexible, long-term support, and embedding accountability to the communities we serve.\n\nReal impact could mean stepping back and creating space for communities to define their own success, shifting from \u2018granting\u2019 to genuinely distributing resources, expertise, and even decision-making power on how funds are flowing. This means moving beyond traditional philanthropy to a more relational, integrated, and holistic approach. By engaging as true partners and sharing our suite of tools and assets \u2014such as our ability to convene, gather and distribute knowledge, inform policy, make connections, support capacity, and leverage investment capital\u2014we can create a\u00a0meaningful impact. By moving together in this direction, we\u2019re laying the groundwork for a philanthropy that enables lasting, systemic change.\n<\/p>\nI am inspired by and grateful to those philanthropic organizations who have been committed to this path \u2013 leading the way with a just and equitable approach to philanthropy. Your work sets an example for all of us and your action shows what\u2019s possible. \u00a0I believe that now, more than ever, philanthropy must be bold enough to follow their example. Collectively, we need to focus on transforming philanthropy and the systems that perpetuate inequality to make them equitable and just. The moment we\u2019re in demands that kind of audacity\u2014the audacity to reimagine, to challenge, and to change.\n\nI\u2019ll be the first to say that this journey is still a work in progress. Like many, we are still learning and building the muscles needed to take a truly justice-centred approach to philanthropy. Along the way, I\u2019ve encountered real structural barriers that can\u2019t be ignored, and addressing them takes time, persistence, and partnership. But I\u2019m committed to this path, even if it means embracing some uncertainty and leaning into the hard work that comes with it.\n\nUltimately, this is about reshaping philanthropy to reflect our shared values of justice and equity, one step at a time. I still hold dear the value of charity I received from my grandmother, and this is important but we must not forget to address the underlying causes that perpetuate inequalities. Martin Luther King Jr. put it best when he said, \u201cPhilanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary.\u201d \u00a0I invite us all to join in this journey \u2014 to challenge the status quo, to learn from each other, and to hold ourselves accountable as we work toward a more just and equitable future for all.","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[52],"tags":[47,45],"class_list":["post-50280","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-learning","tag-blog","tag-philanthropy"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/definityfoundation.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50280","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/definityfoundation.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/definityfoundation.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/definityfoundation.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/definityfoundation.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50280"}],"version-history":[{"count":30,"href":"https:\/\/definityfoundation.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50280\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":53711,"href":"https:\/\/definityfoundation.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50280\/revisions\/53711"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/definityfoundation.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50280"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/definityfoundation.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50280"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/definityfoundation.org\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50280"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}