REPG publishes Volume 2 of the Power-Sharing Framework

The Race and Equity in Philanthropy Group has released the second volume of the Power-Sharing Framework, which features case summaries from nine foundations, including REPG and non-REPG members:

• Bush Foundation

• The California Wellness Foundation

• Cypress Fund

• Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation

• James Irvine Foundation

• Mortenson Family Foundation

• Omaha Community Foundation

• T. Rowe Price Foundation

• Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation

This paper represents REPG’s ongoing effort to evolve how foundations can best demonstrate a commitment to racial equity as well as prepare to handle the continued backlash against racial equity and DEI. It builds on Volume 1, which categorized various approaches and practices to power-sharing within the areas of Trust-based Philanthropy, Participatory Grantmaking, and Community Driven Philanthropy.

In this moment when terms such as DEI are being weaponized and many corporations and universities are rolling back their DEI and racial equity programs, it is critical for philanthropy to stand firm in its commitment to racial equity by embracing power-sharing approaches such as trust-based philanthropy, participatory grantmaking and community driven philanthropy. These approaches ensure that foundations act as partners rather than gatekeepers, allowing community voices to shape strategies, funding priorities, and governance structures. 

Power-sharing strategies necessarily transcend the traditional philanthropic paradigm and ensure more equitable outcomes for communities of color, which is critical at a time when racial disparities are being overlooked in favor of color-blind policies. The REPG Power-Sharing Task Force will continue to advance this ever-important work.

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