Modern philanthropy exists to support social change and address social issues – funding nonprofits to advance education, healthcare, childcare, scientific research, environmental protection, affordable housing development, and myriad other services.
But often, foundations’ money and influence perpetuate harmful power dynamics that undercut impact. Philanthropy can shift these dynamics by trusting and resourcing nonprofits in ways that support community aims and shared goals.
In March 2025 Aisha Benson, President and CEO, Nonprofit Finance Fund, sat down with Marcus Walton, President and CEO, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, to discuss how philanthropy can support communities and the nonprofits that serve them in times of crisis. Marcus’ insights are informed by collaboration with GEO’s membership of foundation leaders and practitioners, as well as a new report on building power. Aisha’s perspective is shaped by the nonprofits that NFF consults for, lends to, and learns from. Their conversation covered eight ways philanthropy can adapt its work to achieve socially positive, lasting community prosperity.
Select a topic below to get started:
- Center Community in Grantmaking
- Collaborate with Nonprofits on Solutions
- Co-design Practices that Fit Local Contexts
- Share Power with Nonprofits
- Learn from Past Cycles of Change
- Use Trust-based Practices in Grantmaking
- Lead with Courage through Challenging Times
- Take a Cross-Sector Approach to Supporting Nonprofits