Episode 154: How Responsive Philanthropy Can Advance Racial Equity

 

Over the past months, racial equity and racial justice have come to the forefront of public consciousness and advocacy in the U.S. and around the world. And while this has also been a topic of discussion in philanthropy for some time, there is a real opportunity now for all social good organizations to really respond in a meaningful way that effects change.

In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Marcus Walton, President & CEO of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO). Listen in to hear Marcus talk about the current movement, the steps that responsive philanthropy must take to advance racial equity, and how all social good organizations can approach their work through a racial equity lens.

 

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

• Marcus’s background as a leader in philanthropy and in working on racial equity initiatives
• What GEO does and how it’s working with members
• Whether Marcus is hopeful that the current moment will move the needle on racial equity
• Steps that responsive philanthropy needs to take to advance racial equity
• What advice Marcus would give to funders right now
• Why it’s critical for all social good organizations to look at their work through a racial equity lens
• The importance of partnerships and data

 

Resources:

Marcus Walton

Article: "Hope is Not a Strategy for Change"

GEO's Vision for Smarter Grantmaking

Marcus Walton's Resource List on Leadership and Racial Equity

 

Quotes: 

“I can only be hopeful, because I’ve seen how quickly change can happen.”

“What I’m observing on one hand is an inclination to do something, to react.”

“Before we make a decision and head down a particular course of action, let’s ground ourselves in the current moment.”