Beyond traditional philanthropy

The future of racial justice funding lies not in boardrooms, but in the communities most affected by systemic racism.

When we talk about transformative philanthropy, we're not just discussing a new funding model, but we're talking about a fundamental shift in how power operates within the social justice ecosystem. 

At Foundation ENAR, this shift is the cornerstone of our approach to advancing racial justice across Europe.

The problem with traditional philanthropy

For too long, philanthropic decisions about racial justice have been made by those removed from the lived realities of racism. This top-down approach, while well-intentioned, often perpetuates the very power imbalances it seeks to address. Research from the Philea framework on equality in philanthropy reveals that when funders assume they "know best," they risk reinforcing systems of oppression rather than dismantling them.

Community-led organisations, those with the deepest understanding of local challenges and the most innovative solutions, remain chronically underfunded. Meanwhile, larger institutions with sophisticated grant-writing capabilities but limited grassroots connections receive a bigger share of resources.

Foundation ENAR's trust and proximity-based approach

Our response has been to learn to also embrace what is called "proximity-based philanthropy". That means working closely with grassroots and community-based organisations, particularly those led by or serving racialised communities. Understanding lived realities and structural challenges in ways that can only come from deep, sustained relationship-building is a core value.

This approach allows Foundation ENAR to learn to:

• Tailor support to actual needs rather than perceived needs;

• Respond swiftly during crises when communities face heightened political hostility;

• Build long-term organisational resilience through accompaniment, not just funding;

• Amplify community voices in broader racial justice and philanthropic conversations.

Community-led decision making in practice

We've moved beyond asking communities what they need, and we've restructured our processes so that funding decisions are shaped by those with direct experience of injustice. 

Participatory grantmaking: Community members don't just apply for grants, they could help design funding priorities and selection criteria.

Flexible support and funding models: We strive to provide unrestricted, multi-year support that allows organisations, individuals, and communities to adapt to changing circumstances without seeking permission.

Capacity building: We offer accompaniment that strengthens organisational resilience and internal capacity, recognising that sustainable change requires sustainable organisations.

The ripple effect of trust-based relationships

When we show trust in community leadership, organisations stop spending valuable time on elaborate reporting and start focusing on the work itself. Innovation flourishes when people feel empowered to take risks and adapt strategies based on what they're learning.

"For the first time, we can plan beyond the next funding cycle. We can think strategically about long-term change instead of just surviving quarter to quarter," one of our community partners recently shared.

Collective action for systemic change

We recognise that no single funder, no matter how well-intentioned, can address structural racism alone. That's why we actively champion collective philanthropic action through pooled funds and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

By bringing together diverse funders around shared values and complementary strategies, we learn to:

• Pool resources for greater impact;

• Coordinate responses to emerging crises;

• Share knowledge about effective approaches;

• Amplify successful models across different contexts in Europe.

Looking forward to the movement we're building

Foundation ENAR's work sits within a broader movement toward decolonised philanthropy, one that centres equity, dignity, and justice as driving forces behind all strategies and decisions.

We are reimagining how resources flow in society. When we shift power to communities most affected by injustice, we're doing more than only addressing racism, we're building models for a more democratic and equitable future.

How you can join this movement

For community organisations: We invite you to engage with us as partners. Share your vision, your challenges, and your innovations. Help us understand how philanthropy can better serve justice.

For fellow funders: Consider how your own practices might evolve toward greater community leadership. The frameworks for trust-based, participatory philanthropy are available, and what's needed is the courage to implement them.

For individuals: Support organisations led by racialised communities. Amplify their voices. Challenge assumptions about who gets to be an "expert" on racial justice.

The path toward racial justice requires structural changes in how we organise, fund, and implement social change. We're committed to being part of that transformation. Are you?

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Foundation ENAR champions community-led approaches to racial justice across Europe. Through trust and proximity-based philanthropy, and participatory grantmaking, we work to shift power and resources toward those most affected by structural racism. Learn more about our current initiatives.