As a funder, we also acknowledge that the dominant structures and practices in the philanthropic sector tend to underfund community-led and community-driven work and organizers and organizations from communities of color. But we know that in order for the Environmental Justice movement to continue to grow and strengthen, as an environmental funder, we must learn alongside grassroots organizers in order to better understand and co-create what strategies, practices, and values are necessary.
Part of that work includes better understanding the groups that are receiving funding and those who are helping to decide on funding through the collection of demographic information. This information helps us and our partners to make the necessary changes to better meet the needs of the communities we work with. With a commitment to transparency and accountability, we are sharing some insights gleaned from this past Fall 2021 Grow and Young Leaders Grant round. Listed below are some highlights with the full graphs below.
- 56% of Young Leaders Grants and 41% of Grow Grants went to groups with Black, Indigenous, or People of Color in leadership.
- 49% of Young Leaders Grants and 55% of Grow Grants went to groups with folks who identify as a woman in leadership.
- 39% of Young Leaders Grants and 49% of Grow Grants went to ad-hoc groups without a 501c3 designation.
- 39% of Community Grant Readers were under the age of 36 and 22% identified as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or other thoughts at info@grassrootsfund.org.
Fall 2021 Grow and Young Leaders Grant Round by the Numbers
Grow Grant Demographic Data
Young Leaders Grant Demographic Data
Community Grant Reader Demographic Data
Grantmaking Committee Demographic Data
Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or thoughts.