The motto “Those closest to the program are closest to the solution” has been a crucial guiding principle for social justice movements. Increasingly, community-driven solutions are being recognized for their effectiveness in addressing local challenges. Despite this, many funders remain hesitant to invest in and empower communities to lead research efforts that address their specific needs. Funders’ concerns often center on the perceived lack of research expertise or financial stability of community members and community-based organizations (CBOs). Historically, this has led funders to support only well-established researchers and institutions.
Community-led research is a type of investigation that involves community or CBOs identifying a research question and leading the design, data collection, and implementation processes, with or without support from traditional collaborators like academic institutions. Philanthropy is uniquely positioned to champion these efforts, which could eventually attract broader support from other funders. However, achieving this will require rethinking funding structures and grantmaking approaches, including how awards are made, who receives funding, how research is conducted, and how the work is communicated.
In a recent Stanford Social Innovation Review article, we share insights from our experience with RWJF’s Community Research for Health Equity Program. This pilot program aimed to transform local health systems through community-led research projects.
We discuss lessons learned and offer strategies for embedding equity in the grantmaking approach. Some of the strategies include:
- Streamlining the application processes
- Revising application requirements, timelines, reviewers, and applicant supports to facilitate CBOs’ successful application for research grants
- Requiring community leadership in proposed projects
- Considering alternative formats beyond traditional written applications
We urge philanthropic foundations to invest in communities and the organizations that represent them by equipping them with the funds and tools required to lead their research investigations and develop and implement their own solutions.
Read the full article on Stanford Social Innovation Review here.