Imagine a world where grant funding truly reflects the diverse voices and needs of all communities. A world where small, underrepresented organizations have as much chance of receiving crucial funds as large, established entities. This vision isn’t just a dream—it’s the future of equitable grantmaking. The recent report from WestEd, Equity in Grantmaking: A Review of Barriers and Strategies for Funders Considering Improvement Opportunities, sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in transforming grantmaking processes to be more inclusive and fair. Let’s dive into the key findings and explore how these insights can shape a more just and effective approach to funding.
Understanding Equity in Grantmaking
Defining Equity: More Than Just a Buzzword
Equity in grantmaking goes beyond the simple distribution of funds. It is about recognizing and addressing systemic disparities that prevent certain organizations—especially those led by people of color or serving marginalized communities—from accessing the same opportunities as their more established counterparts. Equity means ensuring that all organizations, regardless of their size, location, or the communities they serve, have a fair shot at securing the resources they need to thrive.
The report highlights that while many funders have expressed a commitment to equity, the absence of a clear, operational definition often hinders progress. For some, equity focuses on increasing the diversity of grant recipients; for others, it emphasizes the importance of funding organizations that serve underserved populations. But one thing is clear: without a precise definition, efforts to increase equity can become disjointed and less effective.
Barriers to Equitable Grantmaking
1. Preaward Challenges: The Struggle Begins Early
For many small and community-based organizations, the barriers to equitable grantmaking start well before the application process. Grant opportunities are often designed without input from the very communities they aim to serve, leading to misalignment between the funder’s goals and the applicants’ needs. This lack of consultation can discourage potential applicants, particularly those from underrepresented groups, from even applying.
Moreover, the size and structure of grants can also pose significant challenges. Large grants with stringent reporting requirements are often out of reach for smaller organizations that lack the necessary infrastructure. Conversely, grants that are too small or narrowly focused may not provide the flexibility needed for these organizations to cover overhead costs or invest in long-term sustainability.
2. Complex Applications: A Daunting Task
The application process itself is another significant barrier. Long and complex applications require extensive time and resources—luxuries that small, less-resourced organizations often do not have. This complexity disproportionately affects first-time applicants, smaller organizations, and those led by people of color, ultimately favoring larger, more established entities that can afford to hire dedicated grant writers.
3. Bias in the Review Process: Who Decides Who Gets Funded?
Even when an organization successfully navigates the preaward and application phases, biases in the review process can still prevent equitable outcomes. Reviewers may unconsciously favor organizations that reflect their own backgrounds or adhere to familiar programmatic strategies, overlooking innovative, culturally responsive approaches proposed by smaller, BIPOC-led organizations.
Action Steps to Foster Equity
1. Redesigning Grants: Flexibility and Inclusivity at the Core
To overcome these barriers, the report suggests several actionable strategies for funders. One key recommendation is to design grants that are flexible and inclusive from the outset. This could involve offering multiyear funding with fewer restrictions on how funds can be used, allowing organizations to address their most pressing needs. Additionally, creating smaller, more accessible grants specifically for underrepresented organizations can help level the playing field.
2. Simplifying Applications: Making the Process More Accessible
Simplifying the application process is another crucial step. Funders can reduce the burden on applicants by shortening application forms, removing unnecessary requirements, and using plain language. A two-step application process, where applicants first submit a brief letter of interest before being invited to submit a full proposal, can also help organizations determine their eligibility and save time.
3. Diversifying Review Panels: Bringing in New Perspectives
To reduce bias in the review process, funders should diversify their review panels. Including reviewers with varied backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience in the communities being served, can bring new perspectives and help ensure that funding decisions are more equitable. Providing reviewers with training on implicit bias and using structured review processes can further support fair decision-making.
4. Supporting Grantees Postaward: Building Capacity for Success
Equity in grantmaking doesn’t end with the award. Ongoing support for grantees is essential to help smaller organizations build capacity and achieve long-term sustainability. This support can take many forms, from technical assistance and training to help with compliance and reporting, to opportunities for networking and peer learning.
The Road Ahead: Measuring Success and Continuing the Journey
The journey toward equitable grantmaking is ongoing, and measuring progress is key to sustaining momentum. Funders must establish clear metrics for assessing the equity of their grantmaking processes, including tracking the diversity of applicants and awardees, as well as the impact of funded programs on the communities they serve. Regularly reviewing these metrics and adjusting strategies as needed will help ensure that equity remains at the forefront of grantmaking efforts.
Discussion Questions:
- How can funders better engage underrepresented communities in the design of grant opportunities?
- What strategies can be implemented to ensure that the application process is accessible to organizations of all sizes?